a dollar

USAGE SUMMARY

"a dollar" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it anytime you are referring to a specific amount of currency. For example: "I only have a dollar in my pocket."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The dollar ceased to be a dollar.

Forbes

A dollar is a dollar, after all.

The New York Times

Bright as a dollar".

The New Yorker

Take a dollar.

The New Yorker

"Or a dollar store".

The New York Times

I'd lose a dollar.

The New Yorker

A dollar a course?

The New York Times

A dollar more?

The New York Times - Health

For a dollar.

The New Yorker

"How about a dollar?

The New Yorker

A dollar a year?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dollar" when referring to a single unit of US currency or when the exact amount is not critical. For example, "I need a dollar for the vending machine."

Common error

Avoid using "a dollar" when referring to multiple dollars. Instead, use "dollars". For example, instead of "I need a dollar more", say "I need more dollars".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dollar" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition in a sentence. It identifies a specific unit of currency, as illustrated by examples on Ludwig such as "Take a dollar" or "I'd lose a dollar."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dollar" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer to a single unit of US currency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard part of the English language. With widespread use in News & Media, the phrase appears frequently in diverse contexts, from everyday transactions to financial discussions. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to avoid using it in plural contexts; instead, use "dollars". Whether you're talking about "a dollar a course" or stating that "a dollar makes a difference", this phrase remains a fundamental part of financial vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one dollar

Emphasizes the singular quantity of the dollar.

a single dollar

Highlights the small amount of money.

one buck

Uses a slang term for "dollar".

a dollar bill

Specifies the physical form of the dollar.

a dollar amount

Focuses on the numerical value of a dollar.

a one-dollar payment

Indicates a transaction involving one dollar.

a sum of one dollar

Formal way of expressing a dollar value.

a dollar's worth

Indicates the value that can be obtained for a dollar.

a US dollar

Specifies the currency.

a solitary dollar

Highlights the isolation or lack of other money.

FAQs

How can I use "a dollar" in a sentence?

You can use "a dollar" to refer to a single US dollar, such as, "The candy bar costs "a dollar"." or "Can you lend me "a dollar"?".

What are some alternatives to saying "a dollar"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "one dollar", "one buck", or "a single dollar".

Is it correct to say "a dollar" or should I always specify "one dollar"?

Both "a dollar" and "one dollar" are correct, but ""a dollar"" is more common in everyday speech. "One dollar" might be used for emphasis or in formal contexts.

What does it mean when someone says "a dollar short"?

The phrase "a dollar short" is an idiom meaning someone is lacking a small amount of money or something essential. It implies being deficient in some way.