School dissertations typically revolve around a single idea.
School dissertations typically revolve around one single idea.
Should we use "a single" or "one single", and why?
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2Both 'a single' and 'one single' are correct and commonly used phrases in English. They are interchangeable and can be used to emphasize the singularity of an item or person.– Michael HarveyCommented Apr 10 at 9:51
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Well, go with the majority, then!– Michael HarveyCommented Apr 10 at 10:01
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1 Answer
Both examples are idiomatic, and both mean the same because the article in "a single idea" denotes one.
You could just say:
School dissertations typically revolve around an idea.
The word 'single' is added because it not only means one, but also not one of several, so it serves to emphasise that it is one and only one.
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3Repetion for emphasis? Father: can you give me one single, sole, solitary reason why I should pay for your car repairs? Son: You crashed it. Father: Er, OK. Commented Apr 10 at 11:11