only the lonely

we have a winner!

the word is "only".

1. Only I helped my dog carry my husband's slippers yesterday. (Usually, the cat helps too, but she was busy with a mouse.)
2. I only helped my dog carry my husband's slippers yesterday. (The dog wanted me to carry them all by myself, but I refused.)
3. I helped only my dog carry my husband's slippers yesterday. (I was too busy to help my neighbour's dog when he carried them.)
4. I helped my only dog carry my husband's slippers yesterday. (I considered getting another dog, but the cat disapproved.)
5. I helped my dog only carry my husband's slippers yesterday. (I didn't help the dog eat them; I usually let the cat do that.)
6. I helped my dog carry only my husband's slippers yesterday. (My dog and I didn't have time to help my neighbour's husband.)
7. I helped my dog carry my only husband's slippers ysterday. (I considered getting another husband, but one is enough.)
8. I helped my dog carry my husband's only slippers yesterday. (My husband had two pairs of slippers, but the cat ate one pair.)
9. I helped my dog carry my husband's slippers only yesterday. (And now the dog wants help again; I wish he'd ask the cat.)
10. I helped my dog carry my husband's slippers yesterday only. (And believe me, once was enough - the slippers tasted terrible.)

- Marilyn vos Savant, author of the "Ask Marilyn" column.