a one of us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a one of us" is not correct in written English.
It seems to be a mistaken combination of "one of us" and "a member of us." Example: "She is truly one of us, always ready to lend a helping hand."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"There's not a one of us who doesn't feel like the world has changed because of what you've done," Zephyr Teachout, who was director of Internet organizing for Dr. Dean, assured supporters after he dropped out last week.

The New York Times

And I will say this: not a one of us is overweight.

Huffington Post

"Not a one of us deserves the job, by right of resume, party, seniority, family or family narrative," he said.

Los Angeles Times

It is true that not a one of us has escaped sending out many, many rejection letters.

Huffington Post

My daughter doesn't want to give her brother the satisfaction cracking up at his antics, but when he asks what we think robot farts sound like (complete with sound effects) in the middle of dinner, not a one of us could stop from LAUGHING OUT LOUD, especially my daughter.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

WHEN Robert M. Renneisen Jr. took over as chief executive of the Miss America Organization a little more than two years ago, he was greeted in Atlantic City as a hero, a savior and, most of all, a one-of-us kind of guy.

The New York Times

Against our wills we have reached an age when any one of us could be next.

Huffington Post

But then the camera picks up a multi-spired building, a one-of-a-kind structure that tells us immediately where we are.

Los Angeles Times

"An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.

The Guardian

She is a facilitator, an interpreter, one of Us rather than one of Them.

The Guardian

Mark Dion (far left): "Not a single one of us is a hunter.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "a one of us" in formal writing. Opt for the correct phrase "one of us" or a suitable alternative like "member of our group".

Common error

The indefinite article "a" is incorrectly placed before "one of us". Remember that "one of us" functions as a single unit, making the article unnecessary and grammatically wrong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a one of us" is generally intended to function as a noun phrase, aiming to identify an individual as belonging to a particular group. However, as Ludwig AI points out, the addition of the article "a" before "one of us" creates a grammatical error.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a one of us" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in both formal and informal writing. As Ludwig AI clearly states, the proper form is simply "one of us". While the intention is often to express inclusion or shared identity, the incorrect article usage undermines this purpose. Opt for alternatives like "member of our group" or "one among us" for clarity and grammatical correctness. Remember to prioritize accurate language to effectively convey your message and avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one of us

Omits the article "a", correcting the grammatical error.

member of our group

Replaces the phrase with a more formal and grammatically sound alternative.

part of our team

Uses "team" instead of "us", implying a more structured group.

one among us

Emphasizes the individual within the group.

one in our midst

A more poetic or literary alternative.

someone from our circle

Refers to a more informal or social grouping.

an individual in our community

Highlights the community aspect of the group.

a fellow member

Emphasizes the shared membership.

one of our kind

Implies shared characteristics or values.

a comrade of ours

Suggests a sense of camaraderie or shared purpose.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say "a one of us"?

The correct phrase is simply "one of us". The article "a" is not needed and makes the phrase grammatically incorrect.

Can I use "a one of us" in any situation?

It's best to avoid "a one of us" altogether in formal and informal contexts, as it's not grammatically correct. Use "one of us" instead.

What can I say instead of "a one of us"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "member of our group", "part of our team", or "one among us".

Is there a difference in meaning between "a one of us" and "one of us"?

While the intended meaning might be understood, "a one of us" is grammatically incorrect. "One of us" is the proper way to express inclusion within a group.