a single definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single definition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one specific meaning or explanation of a term or concept. Example: "In this context, we will focus on a single definition of the term 'sustainability' to avoid confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The examples of shamanism and Hindu and Daoist mysticism demonstrate the difficulty in establishing a single definition of mysticism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Good fiscal policy does not depend on a single definition of budgetary balance in a particular year.

The Economist

At another point, he disagreed with the lawyer's contention that the law simply creates a single definition for federal purposes.

The New York Times

One interesting upshot of this is that data can no longer be thought of as having a single definition.

The New York Times

The Career College Association had also fought for the creation of a single definition of "an institution of higher education" for all areas of the law.

The New York Times

The campaign said the government would cover the costs by establishing a single definition for a tax shelter that would ultimately yield more than $2 billion a year, according to a Congressional estimate that it cited.

The New York Times

It's one of those terms for which it's hard to find a single definition that reflects its wider purpose and the many forms it takes within the higher education sector.

The Guardian

We want a single definition of self-employment across government departments to make it clearer when people are being bogusly self-employed and make it harder for businesses to get away with this practice".

The Guardian

The Transportation Department and the Federal Aviation Administration, which track different data, recently agreed on a single definition of a late flight: one that arrives at least 15 minutes behind schedule.

The New York Times

Treasury Secretary Paul H. O'Neill announced the first step in an administration plan to simplify the tax code, creating a single definition for what constitutes a qualifying child for the purpose of credits and deductions.

The New York Times

CCS is an important technology but oil firms are, for the most part, seen as beyond the pale by greens.The market does not need a single definition of greenery.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and consistency in technical or formal writing, ensure you establish "a single definition" for key terms early on. This minimizes ambiguity and enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience shares "a single definition" of a term, especially in interdisciplinary contexts. Always clarify your intended meaning to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single definition" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It serves to specify that there is only one particular definition being referred to or considered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single definition" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase to highlight that only one specific definition is being referenced. Its purpose is to promote clarity, particularly in contexts such as science, news media, and encyclopedias where precision is paramount. While versatile, it tends toward a formal register, emphasizing its utility in professional and academic settings. When aiming for precision, remember to clarify key terms and avoid assumptions of universal understanding, which is a common pitfall.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one definition

This is the most direct and straightforward alternative, using 'one' instead of 'a single'.

a unique definition

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and exclusivity of the definition.

a sole definition

Highlights that there is only one definition available.

an exclusive definition

Implies that the definition is limited and not shared with other interpretations.

a uniform definition

Suggests the definition is consistent and applied the same way in all cases.

a standard definition

Implies the existence of an officially recognized or agreed-upon definition.

a consistent definition

Highlights the coherence and lack of contradiction within the definition.

a unified definition

Suggests that multiple elements have been brought together into one definition.

a precise definition

Emphasizes the clarity and accuracy of the definition.

a specific definition

Highlights the narrow and focused nature of the definition.

FAQs

How can I use "a single definition" in a sentence?

You can use "a single definition" to emphasize the importance of having one clear and consistent meaning for a term or concept, for example: "For the purposes of this study, we will adhere to "a single definition" of 'sustainability'".

What is an alternative to "a single definition"?

Alternatives include "one definition", "a unique definition", or "a sole definition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Why is having "a single definition" important in research?

Using "a single definition" in research ensures consistency and comparability across studies. Without it, interpreting and synthesizing results becomes significantly more challenging.

When is it acceptable to deviate from "a single definition"?

Deviating from "a single definition" might be acceptable when exploring the multifaceted nature of a concept, but it's crucial to explicitly acknowledge and justify the use of multiple interpretations.