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they may be only vs they may only be

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'They may be only' is used when 'only' is emphasizing the verb 'be,' while 'they may only be' is used when 'only' is emphasizing the state or condition of 'be.' The placement of 'only' changes the emphasis and meaning of the sentence.

Last updated: March 15, 2024

they may be only

This phrase is correct and is used when 'only' is emphasizing the verb 'be.'

This phrase is used when 'only' is highlighting the verb 'be' in the sentence. It implies that the possibility of them being something else is low.

Examples:

They may be only pretending to be interested.
They may be only a few minutes away.
They may be only children, but they are very intelligent.
They may be only trying to help.
They may be only temporary employees.

Show examples from the web [+]

When they first develop, they may be only a tenth of a millimeter in diameter and almost flat, appearing as small red dots. However, they then usually grow to ...
Ranging in color from bright red to purple, they may be only a tenth of a millimeter in diameter and almost flat when they first develop, appearing as small red ...
Advantages: Many urgent-care centers charge about the same as or a little more than a health care provider's office, but they may be only half the cost of the ...
Programs include drop-in centers, clubhouses and job clubs. They may be only run by consumers, or they may be run in partnership with professional programs.

Alternatives:

They may only be pretending to be interested.
They may only be a few minutes away.
They may only be children, but they are very intelligent.
They may only be trying to help.
They may only be temporary employees.

they may only be

This phrase is correct and is used when 'only' is emphasizing the state or condition of 'be.'

This phrase is used when 'only' is highlighting the state or condition of 'be' in the sentence. It implies that the possibility of them having other attributes or qualities is low.

Examples:

They may only be happy if they win.
They may only be successful if they work hard.
They may only be satisfied with the best.
They may only be available on weekends.
They may only be seen at night.

Show examples from the web [+]

They may only be 5cms long but these bright hatchlings sure know how to stand out. Tiny chameleons make big impression at Taronga Zoo. A BATCH of tiny ...
They may only be used in ADA stalls by the registered owner or when the registered owner is a passenger. A valid CSU Parking and Transportation Services ...
Teens may request to be transferred; however, they may only be granted in special circumstances. If a teen has a problem at their work site, they should contact ...
The United States does not allow private individuals to keep native owls as pets-- they may only be possessed by trained, licensed individuals while being ...

Alternatives:

They may be happy only if they win.
They may be successful only if they work hard.
They may be satisfied only with the best.
They may be available only on weekends.
They may be seen only at night.

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