a lone parent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lone parent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a single individual who is raising a child or children without the support of a partner. Example: "Being a lone parent can be challenging, but it also brings a unique sense of fulfillment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A lone parent in work with two children could be £2,300 a year instead of £2,500 worse off.

The Guardian

A lone parent in work will be worse off by £1,225.95 a year while a lone parent out of work will lose £1,206.50.

The Guardian

Perhaps same-sex children are easier for a lone parent to rear.

The Economist

Becoming a lone parent seemed to increase in Arthur's father his already rigorous sense of discipline.

The New Yorker

My mum was a lone parent at 17; I never knew my real dad.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps boys are simply more costly to raise than girls, and would thus overtax the resources of a lone parent.

The Economist

The couple calculated they'd be better off if Locke were a lone parent, or if Rooks gave up work.

The Guardian

Cohen, a lone parent herself, says there is always risk involved - even to a child on the way to school.

The Guardian

She lied at every opportunity, presenting herself as a lone parent coping with ill and vulnerable children.

The Guardian

A lone parent with three children, she is also an expert at juggling jobs while caring for her family.

The Guardian

According to recent estimates, one in four children in the UK will spend some time in a lone parent family.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about family structures, use "a lone parent" or "single parent" to ensure inclusivity and avoid assumptions about gender. Be mindful of the context and choose the term that best fits your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid making broad generalizations about the experiences of "a lone parent". Each family's situation is unique, and it's important to acknowledge the diversity of challenges and strengths within this group. Base your statements on facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lone parent" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying an individual who raises a child or children without a partner. As shown by Ludwig, it's used to describe someone in a specific family structure. The phrase is also a common subject in discussions about social welfare, economics, and family dynamics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lone parent" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe an individual raising a child or children without a partner. According to Ludwig, this term appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. While "single parent" is a more common alternative, "a lone parent" remains a valid and appropriate choice, particularly in formal writing. Understanding the contexts in which this phrase is used helps to avoid generalizations and ensure inclusive and respectful communication. The phrase functions to describe family status and provide context for social discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

single parent

This is a more common and widely recognized term for "a lone parent".

solo parent

Similar to "single parent" but perhaps slightly less common.

single mother

This alternative specifies the gender of the parent.

single father

This alternative specifies the gender of the parent.

one-parent family

This phrase focuses on the family structure rather than the individual.

parenting alone

Highlights the action of raising a child by oneself.

parent without a partner

A more descriptive phrase highlighting the absence of a co-parent.

sole caregiver

Focuses on the responsibility of caregiving resting on one person.

unaccompanied parent

Emphasizes the lack of a partner in parenting.

head of the household

Describes the person responsible for managing the household, which can be a lone parent.

FAQs

What is the definition of "a lone parent"?

"A lone parent" refers to an individual raising a child or children without the support of a partner, either due to separation, divorce, death, or choice.

What is a more common alternative to "a lone parent"?

A more common alternative is "single parent", which carries the same meaning and is widely understood.

Is it appropriate to use "a lone parent" in formal writing?

Yes, "a lone parent" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience. In some cases, "single parent" may be preferred due to its wider recognition.

What are some challenges faced by "a lone parent"?

Challenges can include financial strain, time management difficulties, emotional stress, and lack of social support. Resources and support networks are often crucial for "a lone parent" to thrive.