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Happy student Posted 10 years ago
Vocabulary
The single greatest/fastest/biggest etc.
We put single before adjectives' superlative forms to emphasize that we are talking about 'THE ONE'?
For example,
a) The single fastest car in the world.
b) The fastest car in the world.
In a) it means that this car is 100% the fastest car and most likely there is proof to this statement like a record in the Guinness book of records or something like that.
b) can also mean that this is the single fastest car, but at the same time it also can be exaggeration because of excitement (a guy tries to describe a car, he's really excited, so he says 'it's the fastest car')or just a lack of knowledge in this field.
Do I understand the difference between 'with single' and 'without single' correctly?
For example,
a) The single fastest car in the world.
b) The fastest car in the world.
In a) it means that this car is 100% the fastest car and most likely there is proof to this statement like a record in the Guinness book of records or something like that.
b) can also mean that this is the single fastest car, but at the same time it also can be exaggeration because of excitement (a guy tries to describe a car, he's really excited, so he says 'it's the fastest car')or just a lack of knowledge in this field.
Do I understand the difference between 'with single' and 'without single' correctly?
Top answer
No, I don't see that distinction. I see "single" as a fairly redundant word. Perhaps it is intended to add emphasis or drama.
- No, I don't see that distinction.
- I see "single" as a fairly redundant word.
- Perhaps it is intended to add emphasis or drama.
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4 Answers
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No, I don't see that distinction. I see "single" as a fairly redundant word. Perhaps it is intended to add emphasis or drama.
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The phrase "the single fastest car" is not used in US English. The only time "single" is used with a superlative is with "greatest (and with the word "history" incorporated somewhere in the sentence)," and then only in the context of sports. Sports announcers like to use this phrase to make things sound super-exciting:
"It was the single greatest feat in Olympics history."
"It
"It was the single greatest feat in Olympics history."
"It
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Actually, 'single' is used with other superlatives.
http://fraze.it/n_search.jsp?q=%22the+single+biggest%22&l=0&t=0&ffo=false&findid=-1&ff=
http://fraze.it/n_search.jsp?q=%22the+single+biggest%22&l=0&t=0&ffo=false&findid=-1&ff=
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AnonymousThe phrase "the single fastest car" is not used in US English.I question whether there is any difference between US English and other varieties of English in this respect.
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