One and one

Posted by Henry on November 09, 2004

In Reply to: One on one? one to one? posted by ESC on November 09, 2004

: : What is the difference between *one on one* and *one to one*??
: : Thanks

: From Merriam-Webster:

: Main Entry: one-to-one
: Function: adjective
: 1 : pairing each element of a set uniquely with an element of another set
: 2 : ONE-ON-ONE 2

: Main Entry: one-on-one
: Function: adjective or adverb
: 1 : playing directly against a single opposing player
: 2 : involving a direct encounter between one person and another

Gladiators might engage in one-on-one combat.
Ladies and gentlemen might be paired one to one.
There's a fine distinction between the two activities.
A doctor sees patients one by one.