usage of "one and only"

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

Could you pick out the sentence which you deem right, please? (or offer your own version)

Thanks !

2

IMHO, we should choose “We used to drive one and only one car”
=> I think this syntax is used for emphasis.

By the way, can we use:
We use one car and only one

Many thanks
Nessie

3

Hi LS,

I recommend you use ‘one and only one’ emphasizing that you drive only one car. The other suggestion reminds me of a way to describe someone/something as unique. Often a presenter will introduce a well known performer on TV or in the theatre as follows:

‘And now ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce the one and only Fred Bishop!’ The suggestion here is that Fred is unique and very famous.

Alan

4

Hi, Alan

Many thanks for your recommendations. I felt uneasy about ‘one and only one’ just because there’s the spitting image of this expression in my native language. Now my uneasiness is gone :slight_smile: