RE: Is 'one or more' correct, or should it be 'one or many'

["Combs, Richard" <richard -dot- combs -at- Polycom -dot- com>]

Liza Enguio wrote:
 
> I'd like to know if it is correct to say, for example:  Select one or
more
> items from the list.  Or should it be: Select one or many items from
the
> list.  Because in Chicago Manual of Style, 'more' is used more in
> comparative adjective.

"One or more" is a very common expression, and it's being used in a
comparative sense -- one item vs. more than one item. So it's absolutely
correct. "One or many" is probably not correct, for the reason Geoff
noted.  

More importantly, "one or more" communicates much more clearly. Have you
ever heard or seen "select one or many"? Neither has your intended
audience. If you use "one or more," they'll understand instantly. If you
use "one or many," some of them will be puzzled or confused. 

Richard


Richard G. Combs
Senior Technical Writer
Polycom, Inc.
richardDOTcombs AT polycomDOTcom
303-223-5111
------
rgcombs AT gmailDOTcom
303-777-0436
------





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