For one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "For one" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to introduce an example or to indicate one reason among others. Example: "There are many reasons to support the initiative; for one, it promotes community engagement." Alternative expressions include "For starters," "To begin with," and "One reason is."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(I'm grateful for one).

The New York Times

Matches, (for one case).

WikiHow

Watch out for one!

WikiHow

For one more season.

The New York Times

For one person.

Independent

For one thing, trust.

The New York Times

For one, their inactivity.

The New York Times - Sports

For one, no beards.

The New York Times - Sports

For one, " 'Mrs.

The New York Times

For one, increase reimbursements.

Forbes

For one, it's easy.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase to highlight your individual perspective, place it immediately after the subject, such as "I, "for one", believe..."

Common error

Do not confuse "for one" with the temporal phrase "for once". While "for one" introduces an example or perspective, "for once" refers to a unique occurrence that deviates from a typical pattern. Ensure you aren't using "for one" when you mean something has happened a single time.

Linguistic Context

In Ludwig, "for one" acts as an adverbial phrase that serves as a discourse marker. It signals to the reader that the information following it is an example or a specific case within a larger group. It is often used appositively to reinforce a specific subject or as a transitional element to launch a series of arguments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig AI confirms that "for one" is an essential and grammatically sound phrase for modern English writers. It is exceptionally common in high-quality journalism, appearing in sources like The New York Times and The Economist to anchor arguments in specific examples. Whether you are using it to introduce the first of many reasons or to emphasize your own unique perspective within a group, it provides clarity and rhetorical focus. When writing, consider substituting it with "for one thing" if you are building a list of facts, or "personally" if you wish to stress your individual opinion. Avoid the common pitfall of confusing it with numerical counts; instead, treat it as a sophisticated way to signal evidence and conviction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

For one thing

Specifically signals the first item in a list of reasons

For example

General term for providing an illustrative case

For instance

Interchangeable with for example but often sounds slightly more formal

Personally

Replaces the personal stance usage as in "I, for one"

To name one

Emphasizes that this is just a single selection from many

To begin with

Focuses on the sequential nature of the argument

For my own part

A more formal way to express an individual perspective

In my opinion

Directly states a viewpoint without the comparative nuance

Specifically

Adds a layer of precision to the example provided

First off

A more informal or conversational way to start a list

FAQs

How to use "for one" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a reason, as in "I don't like the plan; "for one", it's too expensive", or to state an opinion, as in "I, "for one", am quite happy with the results".

What can I say instead of "for one"?

Depending on the context, you can use "for instance", "for one thing", or "personally".

Which is correct, "for one" or "for one thing"?

Both are correct. While "for one" is more versatile and can refer to people or examples, "for one thing" is specifically used when listing reasons or facts in an argument.

Is "for one" formal or informal?

It is generally neutral. It appears frequently in prestigious publications like "The New York Times" and "The Economist", making it suitable for both professional and casual writing.