In one sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In one sentence" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to request a concise summary or explanation. Example: "In one sentence, please describe your main argument." Alternative expressions include "In a nutshell," "In brief," and "To sum up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"In one sentence, that's the truth".

The New York Times - Arts

In one sentence, ABC's motion was granted.

The New Yorker

"In one sentence you summed up my life".

The Guardian - Books

In one sentence, he summed up the wishes of every general manager.

The New York Times - Sports

"In one sentence, what is your proposed standard?" Justice Sandra Day O'Connor asked Mr. Warren.

The New York Times

In one sentence, the court's opinion says that many existing regulations are "presumptively constitutional".

The Guardian - Opinion

As for betrayal, Well it does seem just — misspoke one word in one sentence on one day.

The New Yorker

Four "themselveses" in one sentence is hard on a reader.

The New York Times - Books

I'd go on and on and Pat would make sense of it in one sentence".

The New York Times - Sports

Lady Foursquare: On that note, can you describe ballroom music in one sentence?

Huffington Post

All in one sentence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "In one sentence", ensure the response can indeed be conveyed within a single, grammatically correct sentence to avoid ambiguity or incompleteness.

Common error

Avoid creating overly complex or convoluted sentences when using or requesting a "in one sentence" summary. Aim for simplicity and clarity to effectively convey the core message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In one sentence" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner or scope of an action, specifically requesting or providing a concise summary. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "In one sentence" serves as a versatile tool for promoting concise and direct communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to request or provide a brief summary, suitable for various contexts ranging from news and media to formal business settings. While grammatically correct and commonly used, it's important to ensure that the resulting sentence remains clear and avoids unnecessary complexity. Consider using alternatives such as "in a nutshell" or "to summarize" for similar effects. The key is to maintain clarity and precision while adhering to the single-sentence constraint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In a nutshell

This alternative provides a brief summary, often implying a simplification of a more complex situation.

In brief

This alternative emphasizes conciseness and is suitable for quickly summarizing key points.

To summarize

This alternative introduces a summary of previously mentioned information.

In summary

Similar to "to summarize", this phrase signals a condensed overview of what has been discussed.

In short

This alternative emphasizes brevity and is ideal for reducing information to its most essential elements.

In essence

This alternative focuses on capturing the core meaning or most important aspect of something.

Briefly stated

This alternative highlights the conciseness of the following statement.

In a word

This alternative indicates that the entire concept can be captured by a single word.

In a concise manner

This alternative stresses the delivery of information in a succinct and efficient way.

To put it briefly

This alternative introduces a short and simplified explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "In one sentence" in a request?

You can use "In one sentence" to ask for a very concise explanation or summary. For example, "In one sentence, what is the main idea of the book?"

What is a good alternative to "In one sentence"?

Alternatives include "in a nutshell", "in brief", or "to summarize", depending on the context.

Is it always possible to summarize something "in one sentence"?

While aiming for conciseness is valuable, some topics may be too complex to accurately summarize "in one sentence". In such cases, it may be better to provide a slightly longer, but clearer, explanation.

What should I avoid when trying to explain something "in one sentence"?

Avoid using overly complex language or including too many details when trying to explain something "in one sentence". Focus on the core message and use clear, simple language.