a single event

USAGE SUMMARY

"a single event" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific occurrence or happening that stands alone, rather than being part of a larger series or pattern. For example: - "The festival was a single event that brought the whole town together." - "The accident was a single event that changed my life forever." - "Let's focus on the issue at hand and not get sidetracked by a single event from the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It won't likely be a single event.

The New York Times

The club has not held a single event yet.

The New York Times

Sometimes a single event becomes the catalyst for transforming movements.

The New York Times

Or has a single event forever changed popular culture?

The New York Times

Smith can trace his tailspin to a single event.

The New York Times - Sports

Commonly, manic depressive episodes are triggered by a single event.

The Guardian

They emphasize, Rabbi Shapiro said, that "conversion is a process," not a single event.

The New York Times

The donations can be as much as $1 million for a single event.

The New York Times

"Recruitment is a process, it's not a single event," she says.

The Guardian

A single event in October can wipe out everything the campaigns did until then.

The New York Times

"These are businesses that really had no long-term sustainable business beyond a single event".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single event", ensure the context clearly establishes that the focus is on one specific occurrence, distinct from any series or pattern of events. This helps avoid ambiguity and emphasizes the singularity of the event being discussed.

Common error

Avoid attributing widespread changes or trends solely to "a single event". While an event can be a catalyst, it's crucial to acknowledge other contributing factors to provide a balanced and accurate perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single event" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a specific occurrence or happening that stands alone. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from describing triggers for manic depressive episodes to discussing the impact of marketing pushes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single event" is a common phrase used to emphasize the distinctness and singularity of an occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this grammatically correct phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general communication. It's important to use this phrase when you want to highlight a specific occasion and differentiate it from a series of events. When using "a single event", ensure you are focusing on one specific occurrence and avoid attributing broad trends solely to it. Alternatives like "an isolated incident" or "a one-time occurrence" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an isolated incident

This alternative emphasizes the standalone nature of the event, highlighting its separation from any larger pattern or context.

a one-time occurrence

This alternative focuses on the event happening only once, stressing its infrequency and uniqueness.

a solitary happening

This alternative uses more literary language to describe the event as something that occurred alone.

an individual instance

This option emphasizes that the event is one particular example out of many possibilities.

a unique episode

This alternative highlights the distinct and potentially remarkable nature of the event.

an unprecedented case

This option denotes the event as something that has not happened before, stressing its novelty.

a singular phenomenon

This alternative suggests that the event is noteworthy and potentially scientifically interesting.

a specific occasion

This option emphasizes the particular context and timing of the event.

an isolated experience

This alternative focuses on the event as a personal or subjective encounter, emphasizing its impact on an individual.

a discrete incident

This option suggests that the event is distinct and easily separable from other events or circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single event" to emphasize that something happened on one specific occasion. For instance, "The company's success wasn't due to "a single event", but rather a series of strategic decisions."

What are some alternatives to "a single event"?

Alternatives include "an isolated incident", "a one-time occurrence", or "a solitary happening", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to attribute significant societal changes to "a single event"?

While "a single event" can be a catalyst for change, attributing significant societal shifts solely to it often oversimplifies complex dynamics. It's important to consider other contributing factors and broader historical context.

What's the difference between "a single event" and "an isolated incident"?

"A single event" generally refers to any specific occurrence, while "an isolated incident" typically implies something negative or unusual that is not part of a pattern. The phrases are similar, but context determines the most appropriate choice.