Focusing Modifier

Focus adverbs are used to highlight, limit, or emphasize a particular part of a clause, typically the element they “focus” on:

Adverb(s)	CGEL Category	Focus Type	Function / Description	Example
Only	Focus adjunct	Restrictive	Limits focus to a single element	She only invited John.
Even	Focus adjunct	Emphatic	Highlights an unexpected or extreme element	She invited even John.
Also / Too	Focus adjunct	Additive	Adds an element inclusively	John also came to the party.
Mainly / Mostly	Degree modifier	Primary	Indicates the dominant proportion or main element	The discussion was mainly about grammar.
Just	Focus adjunct	Restrictive	Narrows or minimally emphasizes an element	I just wanted to help.
Particularly / Specifically	Focus adjunct	Specific	Highlights a particular case or subset	She likes animals, particularly cats.
Exactly	Degree modifier	Precision	Emphasizes exactness or correctness	That’s exactly what I meant.
Merely	Focus adjunct	Restrictive	Downgrades to something minimal or insignificant	He was merely a spectator.
Chiefly / Principally	Degree modifier	Primary	Identifies the main point or responsibility	The book is chiefly about syntax.
Simply	Focus adjunct	Restrictive	Emphasizes straightforwardness or limitation	It’s simply a matter of time.
Above All / Most of All	Focus adjunct	Emphatic	Highlights the most important element	He values honesty, above all.
Alone	Focus adjunct	Exclusive	Focuses on a single entity to the exclusion of others	John alone solved the problem.
Virtually / Nearly	Degree modifier	Approximate	Indicates near-total or incomplete realization	The task was virtually impossible.