a single friend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single friend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to one friend, emphasizing the singularity of the relationship or connection. Example: "In a world full of acquaintances, I cherish a single friend who truly understands me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A single friend?

The New Yorker

"We didn't have a single friend there," she said.

The New York Times

Until I met Isaac, I didn't make a single friend.

The New Yorker

In fact, I don't think I made a single friend in my first months alive.

The New Yorker

"The notion that he would put all that at risk to give a single friend inside information is absurd".

The New York Times

"I had not a single friend in the whole company" is the way they often put it.

The New Yorker

But saying this to a single friend only telegraphs that you think we have low self-esteem.

The Washington Post

"I don't have a single friend who doesn't remember watching it as it happened," the narrator says of that disaster.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The primary benefit of these services is to allow users to maintain a single friends list and to coordinate social activities across different sites that perform different services.

The Guardian - Tech

Snap is mixing Stories and private messages in a single Friends tab.

TechCrunch

So it was with some trepidation recently that I offered a newly single friend the spare room for a few weeks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single friend", ensure the context clarifies whether you're emphasizing the lack of multiple friends or highlighting the importance of that one friend.

Common error

Avoid using "a single friend" when you simply mean 'one friend' without intending to highlight the lack of other friends or the unique importance of that specific friend. Choose the more appropriate phrase, such as "one friend", if the emphasis is neutral.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single friend" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig shows, it refers to one individual held in friendship, often highlighting the limited number or the significance of that particular relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a single friend" is grammatically sound and frequently used, as verified by Ludwig. It serves to emphasize the singular nature of a friendship, highlighting either the lack of multiple friends or the importance of that one particular friend. Common in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When using "a single friend", consider whether you intend to emphasize exclusivity or simply refer to one friend, as clarity is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just one friend

Emphasizes the numerical aspect of having only one friend.

only one friend

Directly states the limited number of friends.

a sole friend

Indicates that this is the only friend someone has.

one solitary friend

Highlights the feeling of loneliness or isolation, even with a friend.

a lone friend

Similar to "one solitary friend", stressing the absence of other friends.

a unique friend

Highlights the special and irreplaceable aspect of the unique friend, not necessarily the absence of other friends.

a particular friend

Identifies one specific friend out of potentially many.

a certain friend

Refers to a specific, but perhaps unnamed, friend.

a close friend

Highlights intimacy and a deep connection rather than the numerical aspect of having one friend.

a best friend

Emphasizes the importance and quality of the friendship, not the lack of other friends.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single friend" to emphasize that someone has only one friend, or to highlight that specific friend among others. For example, "Despite moving to a new city, she relied on "a single friend" for support."

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

Alternatives include "one friend", "just one friend", or, depending on the context, "a close friend".

When is it appropriate to use "a single friend" instead of "one friend"?

"A single friend" is best used when you want to emphasize the fact that there is only one friend, perhaps highlighting a sense of loneliness or the importance of that sole relationship. "One friend" is more neutral. For example "He was happy to have "a single friend" in a difficult time" versus "He was happy to have "one friend" to help him."

Is it grammatically correct to say "a single friend"?

Yes, "a single friend" is grammatically correct. The word "single" modifies "friend", indicating that there is only one friend. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.