One by one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "One by one" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe actions or events occurring sequentially, one after the other. For example, "The students presented their projects one by one." Alternative expressions include "individually" and "one at a time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

One by one they head into town.

BBC

One by one they came.

The New Yorker

"One by one," she said.

The New York Times

One by one was worse.

The New York Times

One by one, contestants admitted defeat.

Independent

One by one, they have returned.

The Economist

One by one, the tenants left.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But these are one-by-one reports.

The New York Times

Initially, tutors were trained one-by-one.

The New York Times

We will consider them one-by-one.

SEP

Just list them one-by-one.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "One by one" to emphasize the sequential and individual nature of events, especially when describing a process or series of actions. This highlights the distinctness of each step or item.

Common error

Avoid using "one by one" when the actions are happening simultaneously or collectively. This phrase is specifically for sequential or individual occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "One by one" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to describe how actions occur. It indicates that actions or events happen sequentially or individually, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "One by one" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase indicating that actions or events occur sequentially or individually. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal use. The phrase effectively emphasizes the distinct and ordered nature of actions, clarifying processes and sequences. Alternative phrases, such as "one at a time" or "sequentially", can be used for similar emphasis, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

One at a time

Emphasizes the sequential and individual nature of the actions.

One after another

Stresses the consecutive order in which things happen.

Individually

Highlights the separate and distinct nature of each item or action.

Sequentially

Focuses on the ordered progression of events.

In sequence

Highlights the specific arrangement or order in which events happen.

In succession

Similar to sequentially, but can imply a formal or structured order.

Each in turn

Highlights that something is happening to each item following established order.

By turns

Suggests an alternating pattern or sequence.

Piece by piece

Focuses on the gradual accumulation or disassembly of something.

Step by step

Implies a measured and methodical approach.

FAQs

How can I use "One by one" in a sentence?

Use "One by one" to show items or actions happen separately and sequentially. For example, "The students presented their projects "one by one"."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "One by one"?

You can use phrases like "one at a time", "individually", or "sequentially" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between saying "One by one" and "One after another"?

"One by one" and "one after another" are very similar. "One by one" emphasizes each item's individuality, while "one after another" emphasizes the continuous sequence.

Can "One by one" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "One by one" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It's a clear and widely understood phrase, making it appropriate for various contexts.