09 Focus adverbials and viewpoint

Question 1

Emily works every day, even on Sundays.

I don’t like alcohol, especially beer.

Answer 1

We sometimes use an adverb to focus on a particular word or phrase.

Question 2

Everyone laughed, even the teacher.

Answer 2

(Everyone includes the teacher.)

Question 3

We’ve invited the whole class, and also the teacher.

Answer 3

(The whole class does not include the teacher.)

Question 4

I knew only one of the other guests.

Alan always wears shorts. He wears them even in winter.

Answer 4

In rather formal or careful English we put only and even before the word or phrase we want to focus on.

Question 5

I only knew ‘one of the other guests.

Alan even wears shorts in ‘winter.

Answer 5

But in informal English only and even can be in mid position.

We stress the word we want to focus on, e.g. one, winter.

Question 6

Saturday is the only day I can go shopping.

Answer 6

Only can be an adjective.

Question 7

I knew just one of the other guests.

Answer 7

We can use the adverb just (= only).

Question 8

Only you would do a silly thing like that.

Even the experts don’t know the answer.

Answer 8

When we focus on the subject, we put “only” and “even” before it.

Question 9

Financially, things are a bit difficult at the moment.

Can you manage transport-wise, or do you need a lift?

Answer 9

These express the idea that we are looking at a situation from a particular aspect or point of view.

Question 10

The building is magnificent from an architectural point of view, but it’s hell to work in.
As far as insurance is concerned, we can fix that up for you.

Answer 10

These express the idea that we are looking at a situation from a particular aspect or point of view.