"I dated him once."

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Teleostomi  #279531  Thu, 12 Oct 06 09:44 AM

I dated him once.

Does this mean (1) I used to date him. or (2) I only dated him one time?

  
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Mister Micawber  #279534  Thu, 12 Oct 06 09:45 AM

It could be either.  #2 is the expected, because used to is more common phraseology.

  
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Teleostomi  #279552  Thu, 12 Oct 06 11:00 AM

Thank you,

Mr Mic, your leaves are always faithful (from the song Tannenbaum)

  
khoff  #280013  Fri, 13 Oct 06 05:56 AM

I agree with Mr. Micawber (of course!) but I would add that in a conversation (rather than writing), if the emphasis is on "dated" it's more likely to mean "I used to date him," (I can't believe I actually dated him once!) and if the emphasis is on "once," it's more likely to mean "I dated him one time."  (I dated him once - that was more than enough!)

  
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