The oxford english dictionary defines but only (which can also occur as only but) as meaning ‘ (a) only, merely; (b) except only’, and comments that its use is now poetical. In only when , there is a sense of urgency, a slightly more 'involved' writing.

Which is grammatically correct? I can only do so much in this time. Or i can do only so much in this time. The question asks for a general answer but gives only one special context. In general, only and but only are not substitutable. *they but only work that way occasionally. The only way to avoid ambiguity is to say we are getting only that printed and to emphasize that.

In general, only and but only are not substitutable. *they but only work that way occasionally. The only way to avoid ambiguity is to say we are getting only that printed and to emphasize that. When it's written, where only is placed can eliminate or create ambiguity.