It only ever seemed like a perfectly natural usage to me (I'm sure I've been using it freely for half a century or more, here in the UK). So I was a bit surprised to find that my NGram suggests it's only only recently gained significant traction. Which is grammatically correct?

Understanding the Context

I can only do so much in this time. or I can do only so much in this time. grammaticality - Correct position of "only" - English Language & Usage ... This is why logicians use iff for 'if and only if'.

Key Insights

I think it would be useful in real life, but can't see it catching on. meaning - "If" vs "Only if" vs "If and only if" - English Language ... P2. only but (also but only): (a) only, merely; (b) except only. Now poetic.

Final Thoughts

Source: Oxford English Dictionary (login required) Below are some only but examples from the Corpus of Contemporary American English. Swap in only or nothing but for only but to see: Ultimately, there is only but one choice for you, no? To consume the entire pint. TV ... Generally speaking, when you are referring back to yourself as a subject, it were better to use "myself" instead of "I" or "me": I am only myself, a mere mortal. word usage - "I am only me" vs.

"I am only I" - English Language ... For Only in the upper class, the only restricts in the inclusion (in, as opposed to out). But no matter which you restrict, there are only two groups under discussion -- upperclass women and and female commoners.