a single directive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single directive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one specific instruction or command given to someone. Example: "The manager issued a single directive to ensure that all team members complete their reports by Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If "Bella Donna" contains a single directive, it's to love freely, love fully, and hang on.

The New Yorker

In his A.P. philosophy class, a single directive was scrawled across the blackboard: "Explain the transcendental eye at the center of all consciousness".

The New Yorker

It was only five months ago when the intelligence sources, policy analysts and Iran academics were all converging on a single directive: The regime has no significant opposition and is here to stay.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Congress also gets a say, and no single directive unilaterally decides future space policies.

Huffington Post

A single compiler directive for the Storm-1 processor can specify up to 64 concurrent data-parallel computations (four per lane) by using its 8-bit packed-data mode.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Suzanne Gallo's beautifully flowing white costumes were her response to Cunningham's single directive: "Think misty".

The New York Times

The Knicks are promoting the new season with a single verb, a directive to their fans: "Declare".

The New York Times - Sports

Laying down the law on quality is all very well, but there's a lot of genuinely Cornish pasties out there that couldn't satisfy a single one of the directive's must haves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For it has serious implications also for the unfinished agenda of creating a single European capital market.The directive has, after all, been a tortuous ten years in the making.

The Economist

While the EPO accepted that plant varieties could fall within the scope of a claim, if such claim did not cover a single plant variety, the Directive went on to assert that "plants, animals and their separate parts [were] eligible for patent protection" (Chiarolla [2011]).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Last week, one of the most important reforms was finally agreed to by the EU's 25 member countries a directive setting out a single set of rules for mergers of companies across national borders.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single directive", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and purpose of the instruction to avoid ambiguity. For example, specifying who issued the directive and what it aims to achieve enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a single directive" is comprehensive when it addresses only a specific aspect. Clearly define its limitations to prevent misunderstandings about its overall impact or applicability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single directive" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb, specifying the action or order given. Ludwig AI analysis of usage confirms its role in defining a solitary instruction or command.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single directive" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, though relatively rare in occurrence. Ludwig AI analysis suggests its primary function is to convey a specific, solitary instruction or order. While versatile, it is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the source and purpose of the directive are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as ""a sole instruction"" or ""a solitary command"" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sole instruction

Replaces "directive" with "instruction", emphasizing the act of teaching or guiding.

a solitary command

Substitutes "directive" with "command", highlighting the authoritative nature of the instruction.

a unique order

Uses "order" instead of "directive", stressing the singularity and official nature of the instruction.

a one-time edict

Replaces both "single" and "directive" for a more formal tone implying authority.

a distinct guideline

Changes "directive" to "guideline", softening the tone and emphasizing guidance rather than command.

a specific regulation

Replaces "directive" with "regulation", framing it within a formal set of rules.

a clear mandate

Swaps "directive" for "mandate", stressing the explicit authorization behind the instruction.

an individual precept

Substitutes the phrase for a more formal, philosophical term.

a focused instruction

Uses "focused" to emphasize the clarity and narrow scope of the instruction.

a precise direction

Changes "directive" to "direction", highlighting guidance and movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single directive" when you want to emphasize that there's only one instruction or order given for a particular situation. For example: "The CEO issued "a single directive" regarding the new marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to saying "a single directive"?

Alternatives include "a sole instruction", "a solitary command", or "a unique order", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a single directives" instead of "a single directive"?

No, "a single directives" is grammatically incorrect. "Directive" should be singular because the adjective "single" indicates there is only one.

What's the difference between "a single directive" and "a general directive"?

"A single directive" emphasizes that there is only one specific instruction, while "a general directive" refers to a broader instruction that applies to multiple situations or individuals.