Why do we use "only" when we write an amount in words esp in the bank. Makes it seem like its not that much money.
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The use of the word "only" AFTER the amount (like they do it on cheques and on agreements is done to reduce chances of unauthorised alterations. In my opinion, this does not have the effect of "belittling" your money. However, in South Africa, some banks use the word "only" BEFORE the amount, effectively "belittling" your (perhaps hard-earned) money!

Commonly Misused Words and Phrases. *Why should you bother to read this handout? The transition from spoken to written language can often be a bumpy one because the way we talk tends to be a lot less formal than the way we write. When we try to translate spoken ideas into writing, it is often hard to remember correct grammar. Also, we hear incorrect grammar used so often that correct grammar might sound odd or even wrong to us.

creigsantos,
Have you considered the fact that 'correctness' is a normative attribute that ignores the norms of different varieties?