[Grammar] only

[gchman]

Hello there

What is the difference between them?

Only the houses were somewhat destroyed by last year's typhoon.
The only houses were somewhat desytoyed by last year's typhoon.

Please help me!

[2006]

Originally Posted by gchman

hello there

what is the difference between them?

only the houses were somewhat destroyed by last year's typhoon.
the only houses were somewhat desytoyed by last year's typhoon.

please help me!

2006

[albertino]

Originally Posted by gchman

Hello there

What is the difference between them?

Only the houses were somewhat destroyed by last year's typhoon.
The only houses were somewhat desytoyed by last year's typhoon.

Please help me!

(Not a teacher)
It seems to me that the position of "only" in the above sentences conveys a delicate different meaning.
For (1), only the houses, and not others like cars, electric cables etc.(not in the same category as houses), were destroyed.
For (2), the only houses, among other houses (in the same category of houses), were destroyed.

[bhaisahab]

How can something be 'somewhat destroyed'? Something is either destroyed or it is damaged.

[2006]

Originally Posted by bhaisahab

How can something be 'somewhat destroyed'? Something is either destroyed or it is damaged.

That's a good question. Perhaps "somewhat" is being used to mean 'partly', but 'partly' would be a better choice.