a one-man show

USAGE SUMMARY

"a one-man show" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation or performance that is entirely managed or performed by one person. An example is: "The play was a one-man show, showcasing the actor's incredible talent." Alternative expressions include "solo performance" and "one-person act."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts & Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He put on a one-man show.

The New York Times - Sports

On offense, the Chiefs have largely been a one-man show.

The New York Times - Sports

"The summit is a one-man show.

The Economist

It's a one-man show.

The New York Times

Josh Kornbluth, 50, is a one-man show.

The New York Times

"I've never done a one-man show, and I've never understudied a one-man show.

The New Yorker

Are you a one-man show?

The Guardian - Arts

It's not a one-man show".

The New York Times - Sports

Through four games, he was almost a one-man show.

The New York Times - Sports

Now Tate Britain is giving him a one-man show.

The Economist

Nor is Mr. Cicconi's lobbying effort a one-man show.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using the gender-neutral term "one-person show" in formal or inclusive writing environments.

Common error

Writers sometimes mistakenly use the article "an" before "one-man show" because the word "one" starts with a vowel. However, "one" begins with a consonant "w" sound, making "a" the only correct article.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a one-man show" primarily functions as a noun phrase within a sentence, often serving as a predicate nominative or a direct object. In the data provided by Ludwig, it consistently identifies a singular entity (performance, business, or team effort) that is controlled or executed by only one individual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sports

12%

Arts & Entertainment

10%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a one-man show" is a versatile and highly common English expression used to describe any undertaking managed by a single individual. Whether referring to a literal theatrical performance or metaphorically describing a political summit or a sports match, it effectively communicates the idea of singular dominance. Analysis from Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically standard and widely accepted in high-authority publications like The New York Times and The Guardian. To maintain professional standards, always remember to use the hyphen in "one-man" and avoid the common mistake of using the article "an" instead of "a". While historically common, modern writers may prefer "one-person show" for gender neutrality depending on the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one-person show

Provides a gender-neutral alternative while maintaining the exact same meaning in theater and business contexts.

one-woman show

Gender-specific variation used when the subject is female.

solo performance

Shifts focus specifically toward the artistic or stage-based nature of the activity.

one-man act

Often used in theatrical or variety show contexts to describe a singular entertainer.

solo effort

Generalizes the phrase to any task completed by one individual without help.

one-man operation

Specifically used for businesses or logistical setups managed by a single person.

individual display

Frequently used in sports to describe a player dominating a match.

single-handed venture

Emphasizes the lack of assistance in a commercial or risky undertaking.

solitary endeavor

More formal and abstract, focusing on the isolation of the task.

monologue

A more technical theatrical term for a long speech by one actor.

FAQs

Which is correct: "a one-man show" or "an one-man show"?

The correct form is "a one-man show". Even though "one" starts with the vowel 'o', it is pronounced with a 'w' sound (like "won"), which is a consonant sound requiring the article "a".

What is a gender-neutral alternative to "a one-man show"?

You can use the phrase "one-person show" to be more inclusive while retaining the exact same meaning.

Can I use "a one-man show" to describe a business?

Yes, it is common to describe a business run entirely by a single individual as "a one-man show", though "one-man operation" is also frequently used.

How is "a one-man show" used in sports?

In sports, it describes a game where one player's performance is so dominant that the rest of the team seems unnecessary. Alternatives include "solo performance" or "individual display".