a lonely one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lonely one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is solitary or isolated, often evoking a sense of sadness or longing. Example: "In the vast expanse of the desert, the traveler felt like a lonely one, surrounded by nothing but sand and silence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mine is not a lone voice, nor, as I have learned in the last 24 hours, is my position a lonely one on the Conservative benches.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Sadly, because the authors of this bill have rained a few earmarks to every member's district, Congress didn't have the courage to stop this reckless overspending," said Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C ., whose dissent on the measuR-S.C .a lonely one.

The Washington Post

The fight for free speech and other freedoms on the Internet can be a lonely one, Senator Leahy says.

The New York Times

"The whole journey in tennis is a lonely one, although they have coaches and physios on the road, it is down to them, they're playing for themselves.

BBC

Mr. Paul's stand was a lonely one.

The New York Times

HG's tale is a lonely one.

The Guardian - Film

In fact, it's a lonely one that often feels quixotic.

The New York Times - Sports

Reading, always a solitary affair, is increasingly a lonely one.

The New York Times

In many ways, Kargbo's career has been a lonely one.

The New York Times - Sports

The battle now, she says, is a lonely one.

The New York Times

For the moment, Labour's critique is a lonely one.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lonely one" to add emotional depth to your writing by emphasizing the feeling of isolation or solitude experienced by a character or in a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a lonely one" in situations where a more direct or nuanced description of isolation would be more effective. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lonely one" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes something or someone as experiencing solitude and often conveys a sense of sadness or isolation. Ludwig confirms its common usage across diverse texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lonely one" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a state of isolation and solitude, as supported by Ludwig. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. When using "a lonely one", consider its emotional weight and avoid overuse in overly sentimental contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous examples from authoritative sources to guide usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a friendless state

Directly points to the absence of friends as the cause of loneliness.

an isolated individual

Focuses on the person experiencing loneliness, emphasizing their separation from others.

a solitary existence

Highlights the lifestyle characterized by being alone, rather than a momentary feeling.

a desolate situation

Emphasizes the bleakness and emptiness of the circumstances contributing to loneliness.

a forsaken figure

Implies abandonment or neglect, adding a layer of sorrow to the loneliness.

an unloved soul

Highlights the feeling of being unappreciated or uncared for, causing loneliness.

a secluded life

Highlights the choice or circumstance of being apart from society.

a detached observer

Focuses on emotional distance and lack of engagement, leading to a sense of loneliness.

a companionless journey

Emphasizes the lack of company during a period of change or hardship.

a marginalized voice

Emphasizes the feeling of loneliness resulting from being unheard or excluded.

FAQs

How can I use "a lonely one" in a sentence?

You can use "a lonely one" to describe a person, situation, or object that feels isolated or solitary. For instance, "His was "a lonely one" after his family moved away".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a lonely one"?

Alternatives include "an isolated individual", "a solitary existence", or "a desolate situation", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a lonely one"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. The phrase uses "lonely" as an adjective to describe "one", referring to a person, thing, or situation that experiences loneliness.

What's the difference between "a lonely one" and "a solitary one"?

"A lonely one" emphasizes the feeling of sadness and isolation, while "a solitary one" simply refers to being alone, without necessarily implying negative emotions. Solitary can even have positive connotations, such as independence or peacefulness.