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Discussion Groups / English Usage / January 2010Why is "one only" in this sentence?
Hi, I feel a little uncomfortable with the "one only" in the following sentence. I would use "only one" from my first thought. Is there any difference, or mine is incorrect? Thanks in advance. It is from a technical article. The words in parenthesis are italic originally, to emphasize. .......... g(k) = delta(k-n) Therefore, in order to be ZF, (one only) among the (m) different symbol-rate phases of the channel-equalizer cascade needs to be a delta function, whereas the other phases can be arbitrary. > Therefore, in order to be ZF, (one only) among the (m) different > symbol-rate phases of the channel-equalizer cascade needs to be a > delta function, whereas the other phases can be arbitrary. "One only" is a bit more emphatic than mildish "only one", although the meaning is the same. However, I would have italized (italicized?) "only" only and left "one" alone. > Hi, > I feel a little uncomfortable with the "one only" in the following [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > symbol-rate phases of the channel-equalizer cascade needs to be a > delta function, whereas the other phases can be arbitrary. "Only one" is ambiguous as to whether more than one is permitted. "One only", and italicized, probably tries to remove the ambiguity. I don't think it succeeds. If "one and only one" is what's meant, the sentence should say that.  SignatureJohn Varela Trade NEWlamps for OLDlamps for email We were asked about: > > Therefore, in order to be ZF, (one only) among the (m) different > > symbol-rate phases of the channel-equalizer cascade needs to be a > > delta function, whereas the other phases can be arbitrary. John Varela write: > "Only one" is ambiguous as to whether more than one is permitted. Not normally, but together with "needs", that's true. > "One only", and italicized, probably tries to remove the ambiguity. > I don't think it succeeds. It's certainly not a good way to do it. > If "one and only one" is what's meant, the sentence should say that. More simply, it should say "exactly one". SignatureMark Brader "One should never listen to oneself. Toronto I mean, who are one to judge?" msb@vex.net -- Barry Etheridge My text in this article is in the public domain. > Hi, > I feel a little uncomfortable with the "one only" in the following [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > symbol-rate phases of the channel-equalizer cascade needs to be a > delta function, whereas the other phases can be arbitrary. "One only" is acceptable here, but is slightly ambiguous. I would have written "exactly one". SignaturePeter Moylan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia. http://www.pmoylan.org For an e-mail address, see my web page. |
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