Category: General

24 Jul 2024 13:06

Joined:	02/06/2009
Level:	Diamond
Points:	145594

Points:	5

Differentiate between 'one and at least one'

Many times we use these two words namely one and at least one. I want a pencil. I want at least one pencil. Both are in use. But in which condition do we have to use one and when to use at least one? I am in a doubt.

Recently ISC conducted some MAP contests during World Cup cricket. For some questions, the options given are 1. None 2. At least one 3. Two. 3. Three. In these options why only at least is used before one? Why not before two and three? Is there any specific reason for this?

There are many members who are very good at English and proper usage of words. I request them to clarify my doubts.

#781259

25 Jul 2024 18:00

Joined:	20/01/2017
Level:	Diamond
Points:	25422

Points:	2

Generally, one number of many items is a minimum requirement to manage the work. So we ask for it. When we consume it we require another. That means we require more than one for managing it further. At least one means that time being we will manage with one but if we are supplied more then that is welcome.

Thoughts exchanged is knowledge gained.

#781266

26 Jul 2024 11:17

Joined:	25/11/2014
Level:	Diamond
Points:	43292

Points:	2

So far I think that one is used when someone is very sure that one( person) will be sufficient for him to get his work accomplished. The other one implies that he needs more people but at least one can manage the work such an arrangement will consume time more but anyway with the arrangement of at least one, work can be managed.

#781268

26 Jul 2024 12:49

Joined:	02/06/2009
Level:	Diamond
Points:	145594

Points:	2

Thank you both for your answers. However, I am still not clear about the correct usage of these two words. When to use at least one and when to use 'one' Still I will wait for some more posts.

drrao
always confident

#781292

27 Jul 2024 15:56

Joined:	19/06/2011
Level:	Gold
Points:	87960

Points:	7

I need one pencil- means I am in need of a pencil. That is my straight current requirement. It is just same as 'please give me a pencil'. One quantity of that commodity is required.

I need at least one pencil- it means that my requirement is actually more than one(quantity). This means that even though I need more than one, I can now manage with a minimum of one.
In the statement I need one- there can be demand and command. But in the statement I need at least one- there can be a sort of request or helplessness, or a choice alternative.

#781331

28 Jul 2024 18:29

Joined:	23/09/2015
Level:	Gold
Points:	63032

Points:	3

This is an interesting post. I have found this post now and I have read the main post again and again. Now, I am of firm opinion that the second option, i.e. At least one, is wrong and confusing. This is because, the other alternatives are: None, Two, Three.

'At least one' means 1 or 2 or 3 or 4. In this particular contest, the alternative 'At least one' is mathematically and logically wrong.

(a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
(b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

#781340

29 Jul 2024 14:01

Joined:	02/06/2009
Level:	Diamond
Points:	145594

Points:	1

Thank you, Partha and Venkiteswaran for your detailed answers.

drrao
always confident

Differentiate between 'one and at least one'

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