someone can only do something

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• someone can only do something — 1) used for showing that only one action is possible in a particular situation, even if it is really not the best or most suitable one I can only express absolute disgust that any public official would act in such a dishonest way. As a waiter… …   English dictionary

• only — on|ly [ ounli ] function word *** Only can be used in the following ways: as an adverb: It s only an idea, but I thought we could try it out. She was only 18 when she had her first child. I only hope we can finish this in time. as an adjective… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

• only */*/*/ — UK [ˈəʊnlɪ] / US [ˈoʊnlɪ] adjective, adverb, conjunction Summary: Only can be used in the following ways: as an adverb: It s only an idea, but I thought we could try it out. ♦ She was only 18 when she had her first child. ♦ I only hope we can… …   English dictionary

• I can only guess — I/you/he etc/can only guess phrase used for emphasizing that something is not known, especially someone’s feelings or the degree to which something is happening Why this approach failed, we can only guess. I/you/he etc/can only guess at: Melissa… …   Useful english dictionary

• you can only guess — I/you/he etc/can only guess phrase used for emphasizing that something is not known, especially someone’s feelings or the degree to which something is happening Why this approach failed, we can only guess. I/you/he etc/can only guess at: Melissa… …   Useful english dictionary

• he can only guess — I/you/he etc/can only guess phrase used for emphasizing that something is not known, especially someone’s feelings or the degree to which something is happening Why this approach failed, we can only guess. I/you/he etc/can only guess at: Melissa… …   Useful english dictionary

• can — I strong UK [kæn] / US weak UK [kən] / US modal verb *** Summary: Can is usually followed by an infinitive without to : I can speak French. Sometimes it is used without a following infinitive: Come and help us, if you can. Can does not change its …   English dictionary

• only — on|ly1 W1S1 [ˈəunli US ˈoun ] adv 1.) not more than a particular number, age etc ▪ Naomi was only 17 when she got married. ▪ There are only a few cars on the island. ▪ It s only eight o clock. 2.) used to say that something or someone is not very …   Dictionary of contemporary English

• can — can1 W1S1 [kən strong kæn] modal v negative short form can t ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 1¦(ability)¦ 2¦(requesting)¦ 3¦(allowed)¦ 4¦(possibility)¦ 5¦(seeing/hearing etc)¦ 6¦(not true)¦ 7¦(should not)¦ 8¦(surprise/anger)¦ 9¦(sometimes)¦ …   Dictionary of contemporary English

• only — 1 adverb 1 not more than a particular amount, number, age etc: Naomi was only 17 when she got married. | Only five minutes more, and then we can go home. 2 nothing or no one except: Only the president can authorize a nuclear attack. | Get me some …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English