Is made of only cotton

[Rachel Adams]

Hello.

I had an argument with my friend over this sentence. ''My dress is made of only cotton''. I insisted that it was wrong and that it should be ''My dress is made of cotton only.'' I know that the meaning depends on the position of only in a sentence but isn't ''of only cotton'' wrong?

 

[Tarheel]

My dress is made of cotton.

My dress is made of only cotton.

My dress is made of cotton only.

My dress is made of 100% cotton.

Use any of them.

 

[Yankee]

"My dress is made of only cotton." Could suggest it lacks other material.
"My dress is made of cotton only." Suggests it is made of cotton exclusively (100%).

You will hear/read both to represent the 100% version.

Similar to a notice posted in one of our local gymnasiums: "Water only in the gymnasium." ( You may not have it anywhere else. )
What is really intended:"Only water in the gymnasium." (No other liquid or food is allowed in the gymnasium.)

 

[Tarheel]

Water only in the gymnasium

Is that an actual sign?
:-?

 

[Yankee]

Water only in the gymnasium

Is that an actual sign?
:-?

Yes.

 

[Rover_KE]

True story re the position of 'only':

I once went into a Publix supermarket in Orlando. Florida to buy beer. A notice said ALCOHOL ONLY SOLD ON SUNDAYS AFTER 10AM.

I was really disappointed—it was only Friday and I hadn't time to wait.:-(