a single episode

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single episode" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one specific occurrence of a series, event, or show, often in contexts like television, podcasts, or any sequential narrative. Example: "I only watched a single episode of the series before deciding it wasn't for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's all in a single episode.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A single episode will do.

The New York Times

My mother hasn't seen a single episode.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I have never missed a single episode.

The Guardian

Rather than a single episode, 13 were ordered.

The New York Times - Arts

Critical incident: An isloated event; a single episode of a problem or harm.

Columbia University

Thus, clinical recommendations are based on exposure to a single episode of underprotected intercourse.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

A single episode of yelling hostilely at a an employee might be forgiven.

Harvard Business Review

PRIEBUS: We have never experienced a single episode of any of those accusations.

The New York Times

Dame Maggie Smith has revealed that she has never watched a single episode of Downton Abbey.

The Guardian

Even if you've never watched a single episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, everyone knows Oprah.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single episode", ensure the context clearly indicates what type of event or broadcast you are referring to. For example, specify "a single episode of the TV series" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a single episode" when you mean a general event without serial structure. While an episode is a type of event, the term implies a sequential, structured context. For example, use "a single event" or "an isolated incident" instead when describing a non-serial, stand-alone occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a single episode" is as a noun phrase functioning as a determiner followed by a noun. It typically acts as the subject, object, or complement within a sentence, specifying a particular instance of something episodic. Ludwig examples confirm this usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

57%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a single episode" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across various domains, most notably in News & Media and Science. As noted by Ludwig, its primary function is to denote a singular occurrence within a series or sequence. While alternatives like ""one installment"" or ""an isolated incident"" exist, the best choice depends on the context. When employing "a single episode", ensure clarity and precision, especially regarding the specific series or event being referenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one installment

Replaces "episode" with "installment", which can refer to any part of a series or collection.

a solitary instance

Emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the occurrence.

an individual occurrence

Focuses on the individuality of the event.

a unique event

Highlights the distinct and unusual nature of the episode.

an isolated incident

Suggests that the episode is not part of a pattern or series of events.

a singular event

Similar to "unique event" but with a slightly more formal tone.

an isolated case

Often used in medical or scientific contexts to describe a single occurrence of a condition.

one occurrence

A more general term that can replace "a single episode" in many contexts.

a one-time event

Highlights that the episode happened only once and is not expected to be repeated.

a lone occurrence

Similar to "solitary instance", emphasizing the lack of connection to other events.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single episode" to refer to one specific occurrence within a series or sequence, such as "I only watched "a single episode" of that show". The phrase can also be used when referring to a distinct event in a longer process, like ""a single episode" of illness".

What are some alternatives to "a single episode"?

Alternatives include "one installment", "a solitary instance", or "an isolated incident" depending on the specific context you are using the phrase in.

Is it correct to say "a single episode" or should I say "one episode"?

Both "a single episode" and "one episode" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the desired emphasis or style. "A single episode" can sometimes imply uniqueness or isolation, while "one episode" is a more neutral and direct way to express the same idea.

What's the difference between "a single episode" and "a single event"?

"A single episode" typically refers to one part of a larger series or sequence, like a TV show or a recurring illness. "A single event" is more general and refers to any isolated occurrence, without necessarily being part of a series.