The word only is often misplaced. It sounds natural almost anywhere in the sentence, but for the meaning of the sentence to be clear, only should be placed as close as possible to what it modifies. The word only can be used as an adverb or as an adjective and usually precedes the word it is modifying. Some other words that are often misplaced are almost, just, and merely.
- I only have $5 -Careless
- I have only $5 -Clear
- I only am testing the chemical. -Careless
- Only I am testing the chemical. -Clear
- I am only testing the chemical. -Clear
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