A single

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A single" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one item or unit of something, often to emphasize its singularity or uniqueness. Example: "A single drop of water can make a difference in a drought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A single thing, a single life".

The New York Times - Arts

A single tear appears.

The New Yorker

A single blue icicle.

The New York Times - Food

A single 35-mm.

The New Yorker

A single shot.

The New York Times

A single glove.

The New York Times

A single friend?

The New Yorker

A single blade?

The New York Times - Sports

A single bullet.

The New York Times

A single gunman fled.

The New York Times

A single motorcar.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "A single" to emphasize the uniqueness or isolation of an item, especially when contrasting it with a larger group or expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "a single" in every sentence where you mean "one." Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language with synonyms or rephrase sentences to avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

"A single" primarily functions as a determiner, specifically an adjective, that modifies a noun to indicate there is only one of that noun. As shown by Ludwig AI, the phrase serves to specify quantity, emphasizing singularity or uniqueness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "A single" is a common and grammatically correct way to denote one instance of something, often used to emphasize its uniqueness or isolation. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as a determiner, highlighting singularity. It is prevalent in news, media, and wiki contexts, maintaining a generally neutral register. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "one" or "a lone" can offer variety. The phrase's high frequency and broad applicability make it a valuable part of the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

One

More concise and direct way to express singularity.

A solitary

Emphasizes the isolation or uniqueness of the item.

A lone

Similar to solitary, but can also imply vulnerability or independence.

Just one

Highlights the small quantity or limited nature.

A unique

Focuses on the distinctiveness of the item.

An individual

Emphasizes the separateness or autonomy.

A unique item

Explicitly refers to a singular item that stands out from others.

Only one

Indicates that there are no others besides the specified item.

A isolated

Suggests the item is detached or separated from others.

A stand-alone

Implies the item functions independently.

FAQs

How can I use "A single" in a sentence?

You can use "A single" to emphasize the solitary nature of something, such as "A single drop of rain started the flood" or "A single person can make a difference".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "A single"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "one", "a lone", or "a solitary" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to use "A single" instead of just "one"?

No, it's not always necessary. "A single" often adds emphasis or highlights the uniqueness or isolation of the item, while "one" is a more neutral term. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and purpose of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "Not a single"?

"Not a single" is used for strong negation, emphasizing the complete absence of something. For instance, "Not a single person showed up" indicates complete attendance failure.