a one-time item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a one-time item" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that occurs or is relevant only once, often in a financial or transactional context. Example: "The report included a one-time item that significantly impacted the overall financial results for the quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Britain has just about been able to get away with its windfall tax on bonuses on the basis that it was a one-time item.

The New York Times

The 14-cent charge is a normal part of doing business and should not be considered a one-time item, Mr. Frail said.

The New York Times

The company reported $97 million in realized investment losses in the quarter, which are recorded when a a particular investment is sold, and are treated as a one-time item.

The New York Times

Excluding a one-time item, the company loss was $192 million, or 23 cents loss per share.

Forbes

"What if it was a one-time item, like a big payment from a member of the Amazon commerce network, like Toys R Us," he says.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

That was up from $103 million, or 9 cents a share, a year earlier when one-time items weighed on results, the company said in a statement.

The New York Times

It now sees 2009 profits of $1.80 a share to $2 a share, excluding one-time items, on revenue of $700 million to $720 million.

Forbes

The company, the maker of electric turbines and jet engines, posted a profit of 38 cents a share, excluding one-time items, a penny above analysts' average estimate, according to Thomson Reuters.

The New York Times

DuPont, based in Wilmington, Del., expects a fourth-quarter loss of 20 to 30 cents a share, excluding one-time items, a sharp turnabout from the earnings of 20 to 25 cents it had earlier forecast.

The New York Times

Profit fell to $1.93 billion, or 32 cents a share, in the year ended June 30 from $2.19 billion, or 37 cents a share, a year earlier, excluding one-time items.

The New York Times

Looking at the current quarter, eBay projected a profit of 34 cents to 36 cents a share, or 44 cents to 46 cents a share when excluding one-time items, on $2.40 billion to $2.50 billion in revenue.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial reports, clearly identify "a one-time item" to avoid misinterpretations of ongoing performance. Provide specific details about what constitutes the item and why it is non-recurring.

Common error

Avoid categorizing regular but infrequent expenses as "a one-time item". Ensure the item truly does not have a reasonable expectation of occurring again in the foreseeable future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a one-time item" functions as a noun phrase or an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that is singular, unique and does not repeat. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used in contexts where something occurs or is relevant only once.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a one-time item" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that happens or is relevant only once. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s often used in financial contexts. While not extremely common, it’s readily understood and accepted. The phrase appears predominantly in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure the item truly does not have a reasonable expectation of recurring and clearly explain why it is non-recurring to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one-off occurrence

Emphasizes the singular and non-recurring nature of the event or item.

isolated incident

Highlights the event as being separate and not part of a pattern.

non-recurring expense

Specifically refers to a cost that will not be repeated in future financial periods.

single instance

Focuses on the uniqueness and individuality of the item or event.

exceptional event

Suggests the item or event is out of the ordinary and not typical.

unique situation

Highlights the specific context that makes the item or event not repeatable.

transient item

Implies the item is temporary and not meant to last or reappear.

unusual occurrence

Emphasizes the infrequency and unexpected nature of the event.

singular transaction

Specifically refers to a business deal that is not part of ongoing operations.

ad hoc event

Implies the item or event was created or done for a particular purpose as necessary.

FAQs

How can I use "a one-time item" in a sentence?

You can use "a one-time item" to describe something that happens or is relevant only once. For example: "The financial report included "a one-time item" that significantly impacted the overall financial results for the quarter."

What's the difference between "a one-time item" and "non-recurring expense"?

While similar, "a one-time item" is a broader term that can apply to events or things, while "non-recurring expense" specifically refers to costs that are not expected to repeat in the future.

What are some alternatives to "a one-time item"?

You can use alternatives like "one-off occurrence", "isolated incident", or "exceptional event" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a one-time item" in financial reporting?

It's appropriate when reporting something that is truly singular and not expected to recur, such as a gain from the sale of an asset or a settlement from a legal dispute. Always provide clear explanations for transparency.