sunseeker666
What is the difference between but and only？
What is the difference between but and only？What is the sightly difference between them in different contexts？
1 This is but one of the methods used to try and get alcoholics to give up drink.
2 This is only one of the methods used to try and get alcoholics to give up drink.
Is the word but in the first sentence same with it in He cannot but laught？
Thanks for your help.
2020年8月27日 09:33
解答 · 4
They are exactly the same in meaning. "But" used in this way is called a "limiting modifier". "But one" is just a little more poetic than "only one". This means it is used more in writing than in speech.
There are but three more apples remaining.
There are only three more apples remaining.
That is but one memory of many that I cherish.
That is only one memory of many that I cherish.
Getting help is but a phone call away.
Getting help is but one phone call away.
Getting help is only one phone call away.
2020年8月27日
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