English Grammar
ONLY vs UNIQUE
What is the difference and when do we use them?
ONLY:
Only has different meanings:
- the sole one (no other)
- exclusively (nothing/nobody/nowhere else)
- merely, just (simply; nothing more
than)
UNIQUE:
Unique can also have several meanings:
- the sole one (no other)
- the only one of its kind
- unequalled, unmatched, incomparable
- only existing in one area,
country, species, etc.
Here are some examples:
ONLY
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UNIQUE
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The sole one: ('unique' cannot be used here)
- Jack was the only person to agree.
- I am an only child. I have no siblings.
- That was the only time I saw him
- She is the only woman in the government.
- I'm the only one who doesn't like chocolate.
Exclusively (nothing/nobody/nowhere else):
- The article is sold online only.
- Only the President can make that decision.
- Please send handwritten replies only.
- Only the chapel is open to the public.
- Cash only please. No cheques.
- Only organic food is served in this restaurant.
- Only a parent would understand.
Merely; just:
- Don't get upset. I was only
joking!
- It’s only a suggestion/idea/theory.
- She’s only trying to help.
- The station is only a mile from here.
- The car only needs minor repairs.
- It wasn't really a plan, only
a dream.
- It's not expensive. It only costs ten dollars.
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The sole one: ('only' can be used instead)
- His unique/only concern is his own comfort
- Stamp-collecting is his unique/only interest.
- The bronze medal was his unique/only medal.
The only one of its kind:
- Each piece of our jewellery is unique.
- A person’s signature is unique.
- The DNA of each person is unique.
- Everyone's fingerprints are unique.
Unequalled, unmatched, incomparable:
- Maria Callas had a unique voice.
- He had a unique
style of leadership.
- Her designs have unique stylishness.
- The house has unique features.
Only existing in one area, country, species:
- The koala is unique
to Australia.
- The red dunes make this area unique.
- The problem is not unique to the U.S.A.
- Language is unique to man.
- Adolescence is unique to humans.”
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