The Difference between “Only” and “Unique”

The Difference between “Only” and “Unique”

Hello, dear English learners! Do you sometimes get confused between ‘only’ and ‘unique’? You’re not alone! Both words describe something that is one of a kind or special, but they are used differently. Understanding how to use them correctly will help you sound more precise, natural, and confident — especially if you’re preparing for exams like B2 First (FCE) or C1 Advanced (CAE).

In today’s lesson, you’ll learn:

• The meaning and grammatical use of only and unique
• How they differ in meaning and tone
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Loads of examples to help you remember!

Meaning and Use of “Only”

Only means no other one; just this one. It limits or restricts what you’re talking about.

• She’s the only person I trust. (I don’t trust anyone else.)
• I only had a sandwich for lunch. (Nothing else, just a sandwich.)
• This offer is only available online. (You can’t get it anywhere else.)

Grammar Note

Only can be an adjective, adverb, or determiner.

Adjective: She’s the only student who passed.

Adverb: I only wanted to help.

Determiner: It’s my only chance.

Tip: “Only” often appears before the word it modifies — changing its position can even change the meaning!

• I only spoke to her yesterday. → I didn’t meet her, I just spoke.
• I spoke only to her yesterday. → I didn’t speak to anyone else.

Meaning and Use of “Unique”

Unique means one of a kind or unlike anything else. It emphasises something special, original, or different from all others.

• Her design style is unique — no one else creates like her.
• Every culture has its unique traditions.
• This old café has a unique atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.

Grammar Note

Unique is an adjective only. Traditionally, “unique” is absolute — something is either unique or not. However, in modern English, people often say things like very unique or quite unique, especially in informal contexts. In formal writing (such as CAE essays), avoid modifiers like very or so before “unique.”

Key Difference

In short:

Only focuses on quantity (there’s just one).

Unique focuses on quality (it’s special or different).

Common Mistakes

❌ She’s the only girl with a unique hairstyle.

✅ She’s the only girl in the class, and she has a unique hairstyle.

 → Combine correctly! “Only” = quantity, “unique” = quality.

❌ This is the only painting that is very unique.

✅ This painting is unique.

 → Avoid “very unique” in formal writing — “unique” already means “one of a kind.”

Expressions and Collocations

With “only”:

the only way / reason / time / person

not only… but also…

She’s not only smart but also kind.

With “unique”:

truly unique / completely unique (less formal)

unique opportunity

unique talent / gift / culture / style

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