Anyone else have difficulty interpreting "only" statements?

In My Humble Opinion
1

Usually, I can understand a statement’s meaning even if the sentence violates some guidelines of grammar or proper usage. But, for me, a misplaced “only” can be confusing.

For example: “You only have access to one account.”

Does it mean:

  1. I am *the only one * who has access. Nobody else has access.
  2. I am the only one who has access to *one particular * account. Nobody else has access to that account.
  3. I am the only one who has access to *one * account. Everyone else has access to more than one account.
  4. I have access, but only access, not something else.
  5. I have access to *only one * account, not two or more.

I’m sure that #5 is the intended meaning, with the key being “*one * account”. I think that the least likely interpretation is #4, but isn’t it the “correct” interpretation?

Does anyone else think that the sentence is ambiguous, or is the meaning obvious to you?

2

No edit? :confused:

Instead of “I’m sure that #5 is the intended meaning”, I should have written: “After a few seconds of reflection, it’s now clear to me that #5 …”

3

#5

Seems perfectly clear to me.

#1 - 3 would be worded ‘Only you have access…’

4

#5

This was taught to me as a kid:

Only Mr Jones slept in the house last night.

Mr Jones only slept in the house last night.

Mr Jones slept only in the house last night.

Mr Jones slept in the only house last night.

Mr Jones slept in the house last night only.
They are all different.

5

“only” is a misplaced modifier in this sentence. As written, the sentence means #4, (something along the lines of, you can see the account, but can’t make any changes). I would also assume that the person meant #5.

6

Number 5 is the meaning, however depending on context I could maybe see #4 also.

7

#5 is the most natural interpretation, but there is some ambiguity. I could imagine delivering the line so that it meant #3, for instance.
“No, James! Don’t put that in your ear. Those drops are for your eyes only!”

8

I disagree. That would be “You have only access to one account.”

9

Yeah, you’re right. But that’s a really strict interpretation that wasn’t present in the choices given in the OP. But yes, you are correct, the modifier “only” is directly in front of “have” (in the original sentence).