Beauty of English

sereno
By sereno

Professor Ernest Brennecke of Columbia is credited with inventing a
sentence that can be made to have eight different meanings by placing
ONE WORD in all possible positions in the sentence: "I hit him in the
eye yesterday."

The Query: What is this word?

The Answer: The word is "ONLY".

The Message:

1. ONLY I hit him in the eye yesterday. (No one else did.)
2. I ONLY hit him in the eye yesterday. (Did not slap him.)
3. I hit ONLY him in the eye yesterday. (I did not hit others.)
4. I hit him ONLY in the eye yesterday. (I did not hit outside the eye.)
5. I hit him in ONLY the eye yesterday. (Not other organs.)
6. I hit him in the ONLY eye yesterday. (He doesn't have another eye.)
7. I hit him in the eye ONLY yesterday. (Not today.)
8. I hit him in the eye yesterday ONLY. (Did not wait for today.)

By soniya• 26 Oct 2010 16:47
soniya

Ok..Something new to learn today..

By gudone• 26 Oct 2010 16:24
gudone

smart

By osamabawab• 25 Oct 2010 14:12
osamabawab

i don't think that this is the "ONLY" way to describe the beauty of english. but it is funny

By betty_123• 25 Oct 2010 06:57
betty_123

only , haha !!

By uarif• 24 Oct 2010 22:13
uarif

i agree with him

By Lion_King• 24 Oct 2010 22:11
Lion_King

I hit this post by mistake today. (Only to be used in different variations)

By anonymous• 24 Oct 2010 22:06
anonymous

He invented a sentence???

So nobody used any of these sentences before him

By anonymous• 24 Oct 2010 22:04
anonymous

Your reasoning in brackets for the 8th example is incorrect.

It is implying that he hit him in the eye yesterday, and not on any preceding or subsequent days.

By uarif• 24 Oct 2010 22:00
uarif

helo, hw r u guys

By ghazalz• 24 Oct 2010 21:55
ghazalz

'only' means a lot to him :)

By the_smart• 24 Oct 2010 21:49
the_smart

Ok

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.