1

USAGE SUMMARY

The word '1' is correct and can be used in written English.
Generally, this is used to refer to a single item or individual, or to denote the figure 1 (for example, in mathematics). An example sentence could be, "I have 1 apple left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

1) The Auckland Art Gallery.

The New York Times

Here are some highlights:1.

The Economist

Here's how: 1.

The New York Times

Terrorism (including Irish terrorism) emerged as the No 1 priority, followed, less predictably, by cyberwarfare.

The Guardian - Opinion

1) A late entry, but a brilliant one, from Massimo Gobbi, who met Jaime Valdés's cross with one of the most perfect outside-of-the-boot volleys you are ever likely to see.

The Guardian - Sport

Coming out on top with Here in My Heart was crooner Al Martino, who kept the No 1 spot for nine weeks on the first UK chart based on record sales.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

There was a time when 50 out of every 1,000 women in the UK got married annually.

The Guardian

The project with the most votes will be awarded £1,000 of funding, and two runners-up will each receive funding of £500.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

David Moyes's first night as manager at Old Trafford last summer was one to forget, with Sevilla inflicting a 3-1 chasing that turned out to be a sign of things to come.

The Guardian - Sport

Aimed at ultra-high net worth tourists from Asia and the Middle East, the cheapest rooms will be around 1,000 Swiss francs (£675) a night, while the most expensive will go for a bank-busting 25,000 Swiss francs (£16,000).

The Guardian - Arts

cleveland.cbslocal.com/2012/10/11/pil… twitter.com/BuzzFeedAndrew… Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.30pm BST23 30 Obama showing 3-to-1 lead among Latino voters, Pew finds But will President Obama's lead among Latino voters be undermined by low turnout?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using “1” in formal writing, ensure it aligns with the established style guide; some prefer spelling out numbers below ten.

Common error

Avoid mixing numerals and spelled-out numbers within the same context. Choose one style and maintain consistency throughout your writing.

Linguistic Context

The numeral "1" primarily functions as a cardinal number, indicating quantity. It can also act as an identifier (e.g., step 1) or a symbol. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The numeral "1" is a versatile element in written English, functioning primarily as a cardinal number for quantification, identification, or labeling. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its register is generally neutral, although numerals are often favored in professional settings for technical or statistical content. When incorporating “1” into your writing, maintain consistency in formatting and follow relevant style guides. While “1” generally appears in news articles, it can also be interchanged with options such as "one" or "first".

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Number one

Replaces the numeral with its spelled-out equivalent, often used to denote the best or most important.

First

Indicates the initial position in a series or sequence, rather than a numerical value.

The first

Highlights the ordinal position, denoting the initial item in a set.

A single

Emphasizes the singularity of the item or concept being referenced.

One

Spelled-out numeral, offering a more formal or emphatic tone.

Prime

Denotes first rank, best quality or the first element in a mathematical way.

More alternative expressions

01

2 1

1 0

dated 1

the 1st

amendments nos 1

0 1

1st day of

11 1

1 2

is first

figure is

1st of

on 1st

1st

1 for

1 00

13 00

1 compartment

the first

FAQs

How to use "1" in a sentence?

You can use "1" to represent a numerical value, quantity, or as an identifier. For example, "I have 1 apple" or "This is step 1 in the process".

What can I say instead of "1"?

Depending on the context, you can use "one", "first", or "a single".

Which is correct, "1" or "one"?

Both "1" and "one" can be correct depending on the context and style guide. Generally, "1" is used for numerical values and quantities, while "one" is used in more formal writing or when starting a sentence.

When should I spell out numbers instead of using numerals like "1"?

Many style guides recommend spelling out numbers one through nine or ten. However, always follow the specific guidelines of the publication or context you are writing for.