lizzy04234
Curious about a / one. Hi, if I want to say ''a month ago'' and ''one month ago'', which one is better? Could I use both? Thanks!
Sep 19, 2014 11:45 PM
Answers · 8
3
You can use either one. In a formal or official setting, you would specify 'one'. Same goes for other periods of time (hour, minute, month, year).
September 20, 2014
1
In other contexts, the use of the word "one" can emphasize that there was one, NOT two, three, etc. Compare: "There was a man in the room." This tells us that a man was there, but doesn't give importance to the exact number. "There was one man in the room." This stresses the fact that there was ONE man there, not another number of men.
September 20, 2014
1
Either is fine. If you are "counting", ie. one month ago = four weeks ago = approximately thirty days ago, then it makes sense to use "one". We're usually not so fussy in daily speech, so "a month ago" might be our first choice as native speakers.
September 20, 2014
1
Yes, you can use either one! Saying "one month ago" is more specific, but either is fine :)
September 20, 2014
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