can give only

[ruth666]

Are both sentences correct? My answer is (2).

1) I can only give two weeks' notice for my resignation.

2) I can give only two weeks' notice for my resignation.

 

[emsr2d2]

Are both sentences correct? My answer is (2).

1) I can only give two weeks' notice for my resignation.

2) I can give only two weeks' notice for my resignation.

I can give only two weeks' notice of my resignation.

 

[Yankee]

#2 is correct if the speaker/writer indicates that it is the only period of time that he/she is able to or wants to consider. The placement of "only" is important in use.

 

[Tarheel]

I don't think #1 is terrible. I certainly understand it as readily as the other. (Now somebody is going to tell me why I am wrong.)

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I don't think #1 is terrible. I certainly understand it as readily as the other. (Now somebody is going to tell me why I am wrong.)

Not me! Uh — not I! Uh — not this boy! . . .

 

[Yankee]

I don't think #1 is terrible. I certainly understand it as readily as the other. (Now somebody is going to tell me why I am wrong.)

Well, I wouldn't necessarily call it "terrible" either and I know we would understand the statement as expressed. But placement of "only" can be key to meaning. As I posted some time ago, it's similar to the difference in meaning between "Water Only In The Gymnasium" and "Only Water In The Gymnasium".

 

[Rover_KE]

... placement of "only" can be key to meaning.

Exactly. If anybody missed my recent story about a confusingly-placed 'only', here it is again:

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.:-(