a single dose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single dose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific quantity of medication or substance that is intended to be taken at one time. Example: "The doctor prescribed a single dose of the medication to be taken before bedtime."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But a single dose doesn't always work.

The New York Times

A pouch amounts to a single dose.

The New York Times

Take the administration of a single dose of chemotherapy.

The Guardian - Opinion

A single dose of radiotherapy could be more convenient for patients, Nice said.

The Guardian

The state could use four different three-drug methods or a single dose of pentobarbital.

The Guardian

With some sprays, a single dose works for as long as 12 hours.

The New York Times - Health

A single dose of the drug, known generically as naloxone, costs about $20.

The New York Times

Some people are allergic to Cipro, or ciprofloxacin, and become sick after even a single dose.

The New York Times

This is a single dose approval for a single day and no more.

The Guardian - Sport

A single dose given once is about 11percentt of the toxic quantity.

The New York Times - Health

A single dose provides a combination of two commonly prescribed bronchodilators, albuterol and ipratropium.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medication, clearly specify the dosage amount and frequency alongside the phrase "a single dose" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a single dose" when you actually mean the total amount of medication administered over a course of treatment. "A single dose" refers to the amount taken at one specific time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single dose" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it describes a specific, individual quantity of medication, substance, or treatment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single dose" functions as a noun phrase, specifying a quantity of something administered at one time. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, particularly in science, news, and academic contexts. The phrase is typically used in neutral to formal registers, with a clear communicative purpose of providing specific information. When using the phrase, it's essential to specify the quantity and frequency and avoid confusion with total dosages or treatments administered over time. Alternatives like "one dose" or "a solitary dose" can be used for slight variations in meaning. Understanding these nuances ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one dose

More concise phrasing using a numeral instead of the article "a" and the adjective "single".

a solitary dose

Replaces "single" with "solitary", emphasizing the isolated nature of the dose.

a one-time dose

Specifies that the dose is administered only once.

a single administration

Focuses on the act of administering the dose, rather than the dose itself.

a unique dose

Highlights the distinct or specific nature of the dose.

a single application

Suitable when referring to topical medications or treatments.

a singular dose

Uses "singular" to emphasize the uniqueness and infrequency of the dose.

a single intake

Emphasizes the act of taking or consuming the dose.

one-off dose

Informal term indicating a dose given only once.

a discrete dose

Implies that the dose is separate and distinct from others.

FAQs

How do you use "a single dose" in a sentence?

You can use "a single dose" to describe the amount of a medication or substance taken at one time, such as: "The doctor prescribed "a single dose" of antibiotics to treat the infection."

What is the difference between "a single dose" and "daily dosage"?

"A single dose" refers to the quantity of medication taken at one specific instance, while "daily dosage" indicates the total amount of medication taken throughout the entire day, which may consist of multiple single doses.

What can I say instead of "a single dose"?

You can use alternatives such as "one dose", "a solitary dose", or "a one-time dose" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a single dose only"?

While understandable, "a single dose only" can be redundant. It's generally clearer and more concise to simply say ""a single dose"" or "one dose only". The word "single" already implies that it's just one.