a single expert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single expert" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to one individual who possesses specialized knowledge or skills in a particular field. Example: "In this complex situation, we decided to consult a single expert to guide us through the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not a single expert or charity spoke in favour of these plans.

The Guardian

Not a single expert or paid commentator predicted he would unseat the Spaniard.

The Guardian - Sport

The element describes modes of operation of a single expert and the cooperation between multiple experts.

Information and Software Technology

Liver biopsies were reviewed by a single expert liver pathologist at each participating centre, unaware of clinical or genetic data.

Nature

The idea is that the collective opinion of a group of individuals can be better than a single expert opinion.

MIT Technology Review

The principal can have a single expert gather both signals or two experts gather one signal each.

Journal of Economic Theory

Tellingly, they did not produce a single expert to testify in support of their claims that contamination had somehow produced the evidence against them.

The Guardian

Beyond this, we lack in digital what we have in paper purchasing: a single expert who understands the newsprint market inside out.

The Guardian

However, he said, "I've yet to meet a single expert who can tell me how we could have beneficially affected that situation".

The New York Times

All of this analysis was done by a single expert grader (H.J). and the two sets of images were independently analyzed before the comparisons were made.

Nature

Not a single expert was standing up and saying that it made sense to tamper with this very unique sand dunes system.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the lack of consensus, use phrases like "Not a single expert" to highlight the absence of agreement.

Common error

Be cautious about basing critical decisions solely on the opinion of "a single expert". Seek diverse perspectives to mitigate potential biases or incomplete information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single expert" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies an individual recognized for their specialized knowledge or skill. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a single expert" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to an individual possessing specialized knowledge. Ludwig's analysis indicates its frequent use in scientific and news media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, consider the potential for bias and the value of seeking diverse perspectives. Alternatives include "one expert" or "a specialist", depending on the desired nuance. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous real-world examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one expert

Slightly shorter and more direct, focusing on the numerical aspect.

an individual expert

Emphasizes the person as a distinct entity with expertise.

a sole expert

Highlights the exclusivity of the expertise; no other expert is involved.

a lone expert

Conveys a sense of isolation or uniqueness in their expertise.

a solitary expert

Similar to 'lone expert', emphasizing the singular nature of the expert.

a unique expert

Highlights the distinctiveness or unparalleled nature of the expert's skills.

a specialist

A more general term for someone with expertise in a particular area.

an authority

Focuses on the expert's recognized power and influence in their field.

a leading expert

Emphasizes the expert's prominent position or high rank within their field.

a seasoned expert

Highlights the expert's extensive experience and maturity in their field.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single expert" to refer to one individual who has specialized knowledge or skills in a particular area. For example: "We consulted "a single expert" for advice on the matter."

What are some alternatives to "a single expert"?

Alternatives include "one expert", "a sole expert", or "a specialist". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to rely on "a single expert"?

Relying on "a single expert" is appropriate when their expertise is highly specialized and the situation demands specific knowledge. However, it's crucial to consider potential biases and, if possible, cross-validate their opinion with other sources.

Is it better to consult "a single expert" or a group of experts?

Consulting a group of experts can provide a more comprehensive perspective, reducing the risk of individual bias. However, "a single expert" may be sufficient when the issue is narrowly defined and requires deep, specialized knowledge. The best approach depends on the complexity and scope of the issue.