Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 0 down vote favorite

Which is correct?

One in the same...

or

One and the same...

A quick google-vote says the former is "correct".

share|improve this question
3  
A good reason not to rely on google-votes.... – Hellion Dec 13 '10 at 23:49
2  
Who said the majority can't be wrong? ;) – user730 Dec 13 '10 at 23:57
Rule by the Mob... no matter how wrong they are! :) – Chris Dwyer Dec 14 '10 at 0:10

2 Answers

up vote 7 down vote accepted

The correct usage is "One and the same". A good dictionary or phrase compilation will confirm this. "One and the same" is used for emphasis, especially when there are seemingly different identities, characters, etc, in question. For example: 

Johnny Jackson and the blind beggar in that corner are one and the same.

share|improve this answer
1  
@Chris: You should parse it as "emphasis by repetition"; the entities under consideration are (of) one (sort), and the entities under consideration are the same. – user730 Dec 13 '10 at 23:36
up vote 0 down vote

One and the same.

Citation: Reference.com

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.