Where you place the word “only” can dramatically change the meaning of a sentence.

Only I am certain he had read the research attorney’s notes.

I am certain only he had read the research attorney’s notes.

I am certain he had only read the research attorney’s notes.

I am certain he had read only the research attorney’s notes.

I am certain he had read the only research attorney’s notes.

I am certain he had read the research attorney’s only notes.

The most common mistake with the word “only” occurs when a lawyer places it just before a verb, instead of just after the verb.

Defendant only approached one of the plaintiffs with a settlement offer.

Defendant only approached only one of the plaintiffs with a settlement offer.

By placing the “only” before the verb in the first sentence, the lawyer implies that although Defendant “approached” a plaintiff with a settlement offer, Defendant never extended the offer.

By placing the “only” after the verb in the second sentence, the lawyer states that out of two or more plaintiffs, Defendant approached but one with a settlement offer - which usually is what the lawyer meant.

One word. Two meanings. Or six.

Less frequently, but in the same patterns, we misuse the word “just.” Same rules apply.