- It is proved only in few papers related to math.
- It is only proved in few papers related to math.
Which of the above is correct ?
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Dhanishtha Ghosh
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jai durga
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You only prove you have no done no research. You prove only that you have done no research. – Lambie Nov 05 '21 at 14:40
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2What you probably want to say is It is proved in only a* few papers related to math. Where only* emphasises that the number of papers is limited to not more than a "few", whereas both of your versions could in principle be misinterpreted as emphasising that the action was limited to nothing more than "proving". – FumbleFingers Nov 05 '21 at 15:55
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5Does this answer your question? "I only teach you" vs. "I teach only you" vs. "I teach you only" Also position of 'only' and the respective change in meaning and Does the position of "only" give a different meaning to the sentence? and How can the position of 'only' change the meaning of a sentence? and many, many more. – FumbleFingers Nov 05 '21 at 15:57
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None of them are correct. The correct answer:
It is proved in only a few papers related to math. / It is proved only in a few papers related to math.
The answer can’t be:
- It is proved in only few papers related to math.
- It is only proved in few papers related to math.
For all nouns, we need an article. ‘Papers’= a noun Since we are talking about ‘a few’ and not any specific one, the answer is ‘a’. The other option:
It is proved in only a few papers related to math.
In this sentence, the clause can be ‘in only’ or ‘only in’.
Genie
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If you need more information on articles, you may see my answer on the post here: https://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/301283/using-two-indefinite-articles-in-a-phrase – Genie Nov 06 '21 at 01:56