Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[FumiFumi]

Hi!

I have a problem understanding an English sentence, and hope someone can help me.

The sentence is "Only use A therapy in the B setting."

I have trouble understanding where this "only" modifies.

I wonder if this means;
"Use A therapy but not other therapy in the B setting."
or
"Use A therapy in the B setting but not in other setting."


Please note that in the same document, there are phrases and sentences like:
1. "A therapy only"
2. "C therapy only"
3. "Only use C therapy only in the D setting."
4. "Only use C monotherapy in the D setting."

No. 3 and 4 should mean the same.

I appreciate if you could help me.
Thank you.

[dabro]

[pugachevV]

It can mean that the only time you ever use the A therapy is when the problem is B. i.e. that the therapy is only designed for the B. setting.
Or it can mean that when the Setting is B. the only recommended therapy is A. (although therapy A. might also be a good therapy for other settings.)

[FumiFumi]

Dear David and pugachevV,

Thank you very much for answering my question.

As I see your messages, I got the impression that this "only" can modify in both ways;

1: A therapy is the only therapy that is used in B setting. In other way, in B setting, other therapy than A therapy is not used.

2: A therapy is used only in B setting but not in other settings.

Although David's answer was 1, since you wrote "In my opinion", I assumed that there is a possibility that it can mean in other way.
Am I correct?