a single insight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single insight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to one specific understanding or realization about a topic or situation. Example: "After analyzing the data, I gained a single insight that changed my perspective on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The choreography is credited to Ms. Stankovic, Sheik and Ms. Barker, and it is safe to say that not one of them has a single insight to bring to bear on the correspondences between tap rhythms and other dance impulses.

The New York Times - Arts

The biographical entry for German decathlete Pascal Behrenbruch, who placed tenth, offers a single insight: "He has a fear of pole vaulting and has been using bungee jumping as a method of overcoming this phobia".

The New Yorker

One of the Internet's strengths is that it is not dependent on a single insight or technology.

Valuation of Internet & Technology Stocks Implications for Investment Analysis

The students approached design mode in different ways, and the simplest way was based on a single insight of a design solution.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

8– 10 For example, David et al showed that a single insight item predicted employment status over 2 years in a recent-onset mixed psychosis cohort from south London.

British Journal of Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Did I feel I gained a single new insight into a play I have seen perhaps 20 times?

The New York Times

Environmental Econ 101 If there's a single central insight in economics, it's this: There are mutual gains from transactions between consenting adults.

The New York Times - Magazine

The supporting characters are presented as simple psychological riddles — a guilt-ridden flier (Bobby Darin), a schizophrenic colonel (Eddie Albert) and so on — that Captain Newman solves with a single, penetrating insight.

The New York Times

"What's the value of a single strategic insight that allows you to avoid some catastrophic event?" Chermack asks rhetorically.

Forbes

According to author Malcolm Gladwell, "Sesame Street was built around a single, breakthrough insight: that if you can hold the attention of children, you can educate them".

Wikipedia

As author Malcolm Gladwell has stated, "Sesame Street was built around a single, breakthrough insight: that if you can hold the attention of children, you can educate them".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a single insight" to underscore the importance of a particular understanding. This is especially effective when contrasting it with a lack of understanding or multiple perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "a single insight" when describing trivial observations. Reserve it for truly significant understandings or realizations that have a meaningful impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single insight" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It highlights the importance of one particular instance of understanding or realization, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

6.666666666666667%

Less common in

Wiki

6.666666666666667%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single insight" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize the importance of one specific understanding or realization. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it truly reflects a significant moment of clarity and avoid overusing it for trivial observations. Consider alternatives like "one key realization" or "a unique understanding" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one key realization

Emphasizes the importance of the realization while maintaining the singular aspect.

a unique understanding

Highlights the distinct and individual nature of the understanding.

a solitary revelation

Focuses on the revelatory aspect of the insight, suggesting it was discovered alone.

one crucial epiphany

Replaces 'insight' with 'epiphany' for a more dramatic sense of sudden understanding.

a lone perception

Emphasizes the act of perceiving something unique and singular.

a singular perception

Highlights the unique and individual nature of the perception.

a flash of comprehension

Focuses on the sudden and quick nature of understanding.

an individual breakthrough

Stresses the breakthrough aspect, focusing on personal advancement.

one isolated thought

Emphasizes the isolation and uniqueness of the thought that forms the insight.

a distinct notion

Highlights the clarity and singularity of the idea or concept.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single insight" to emphasize a key understanding gained. For example, "A single insight can change your entire perspective."

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

You can use alternatives like "one key realization", "a unique understanding", or "a solitary revelation" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'the single insight' instead of "a single insight"?

While grammatically possible, using 'the' implies that the insight is already known or has been previously mentioned. "A single insight" is more appropriate when introducing a new understanding.

What's the difference between "a single insight" and "multiple insights"?

"A single insight" refers to one specific understanding, while "multiple insights" indicates several distinct understandings or realizations.