What is a Focusing Adverb?

EMPHASIS IN SPEECH	EMPHASIS IN WRITING (OR SPEECH)
In speech, a sentence part that receives emphasis has a particular meaning.  Each sentence below differs in meaning depending on the part that is stressed.	In writing and speech, we draw attention to a particular part of a sentence with a focusing adverb. Without the focusing word, the spoken version would require emphasis to make its meaning known.  When we use a focusing adverb, it signals to the reader or listener — this information is important!
WHO IS COMING? YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS are coming with us.  (Just you, not the others.)	WHO IS COMING? ONLY you and your friends can go with us.  Modifies the subject (a noun phrase).
WHAT ARE WE DOING? You and your friends ARE COMING with us. (We are your means of getting there.)	WHAT ARE WE DOING? You and your friends are ONLY coming with us.  Modifies the verb phrase.
WITH WHOM? You and your friends are coming with US. (With us, not anyone else.)	WITH WHOM? You and your friends are coming ONLY with us.  Modifies a prepositional phrase.
WHY? You and your friends are comin with us BECAUSE WE HAVE TO CARPOOL.  (For no other reason!)	WHY? You and your friends are coming with us ONLY because we have to carpool. Modifies an adverbial clause.