It’s true — there’s only one ‘only’
not teaching,
still THINKING …
If you listen carefully to what people say, you’re likely to hear this phrase: “one of the only …”
It doesn’t make sense.
Something can be “one” of a specific number, such as one of three, or it can be the “only” one, meaning just that.
Words take up valuable space when written and precious time when spoken. It makes sense to tighten words when possible, especially when clarity is at issue.
What does it mean, for example, to say: “One of the only times I broke my leg was when I was skating.”
- Did the person break a leg only once?
- Did the person break a leg more than once, but only one time when skating?
- Did the person break a leg more than once, always when skating?
The phrase “one of the only” confuses the message.
We might not care about this person’s leg, but think about it:
- If you’re interviewing a source about an important detail, you’d certainly need to ask a follow question.
- If you’re covering someone’s testimony at trial, you’d hope the lawyer would seek clarification.
- If you’re talking to a friend, you’d likely ask that person what actually is meant.
And if you’re deciding the veracity of anyone’s statement about anything, you’d be sure to keep in mind that there’s only one “only.”
(These two profs are no longer teaching at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, but we are still thinking.)
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