| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
hiromichi
Joined: 12 Oct 2005
Posts: 1380
|
 Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 2:20 am Post subject: not but one |
 |
|
Does "not but one" mean "many" ?
There is not but one context in which to use today's word.
_________________
Hiromichi |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
2006
Joined: 27 Nov 2006
Posts: 610
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 8:38 am Post subject: |
|
|
I wouldn't use "not but one" because its meaning is very unclear. I don't know if it means not only one or not even one or something else.
"There is but one....." means "only one", but "only one' is clearer so you should use "only one" when that is what you mean.
If you mean "many" or "more than one', use those words. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
hiromichi
Joined: 12 Oct 2005
Posts: 1380
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 10:53 am Post subject: |
|
|
2006, Thank you for your comment.
_________________
Hiromichi |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Mary W. Ng
Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Posts: 261
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 11:28 am Post subject: Re: not but one |
|
|
| Quote: |
| Does "not but one" mean "many" ? |
No, not but one means 'only one'. The phrase used to be common, but is now superseded by but one. 
_________________
Mary W. Ng
Helping students learn grammar
http:www.aimpublishing.com |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
hiromichi
Joined: 12 Oct 2005
Posts: 1380
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 11:39 am Post subject: |
|
|
Mary W. Ng, Thank you for your follow-up comment.
_________________
Hiromichi |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
