a single length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one specific measurement or dimension of an object or material. Example: "The fabric is available in a single length of five meters, which is perfect for my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

To cook, snip off a single length containing as many individual sausages as you like.

The New York Times - Magazine

Snip off a single length containing as many individual sausages as you like.

The New York Times - Magazine

My swimming pool was a mountain lake – free to use, so long that a single length would take you almost an hour, and with water as clear as anything that ever came out of a tap.

The Guardian

So there he was, hanging by a single length of cord eight millimetres thick, in the gathering dark, in a snowstorm, in Peru, with Yates not only unable to hear his cries but also slowly sliding toward the abyss himself.

The New Yorker

They are moored to a two- or three-ton concrete or cast-iron sinker by a single length of chain, which is normally about three times as long as the depth of water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And it is these versatile straps that make the bag: They can be clipped together, turned into a single length for a more casual, across-the-body look, or even be turned into a chic skinny belt.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

We show that indent size, grain size and pinning defects combine in a single, length-scale-dependent deformation mechanism, to determine the yield strength (hardness) of a material.

Acta Materialia

A possible reason for the observed absence of a decrease might be that α0 is a single length-at-age measure and therefore more strongly influenced by environmental factors than adult growth (α t ) that is an average over several years.

Evolutionary Applications

Such a single-length technique possibly requires greater torsional strength resulting in higher stresses over its entire length [ 10].

BMC Oral Health

Group PTU was prepared with a crown-down technique, while group WO and group PTN with a single-length technique recommended by the manufacturer.

BMC Oral Health

Without loss of generality, we concentrate on a single L-length data block, although in practical system several data blocks are mapped into the OFDM symbol.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single length", ensure the context clearly defines what is being measured. Provide specific units or references to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a single length" when referring to multiple lengths or a range of measurements. Instead, specify "multiple lengths" or provide a range.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single length" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a quantity or measurement. It modifies a noun (length) to indicate that only one instance is being referred to. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a single length" is a common and grammatically sound way to specify one particular measurement or dimension. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, which spans various contexts from scientific papers to news articles. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the context sufficiently defines what is being measured and consider alternatives like "one length" or "a solitary length" to tailor the nuance to your specific needs. As noted in the writing guidance, avoid using it when you're talking about a range or set of lengths. This will help ensure accuracy and avoid misinterpretations in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one length

Replaces the article "a single" with "one", creating a more concise expression.

a solitary length

Substitutes "single" with "solitary", emphasizing the isolated or unique nature of the length.

an individual length

Replaces "single" with "individual", highlighting the distinct characteristic of the length.

a unique length

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the length being referred to.

a lone length

Replaces "single" with "lone", suggesting the length is the only one of its kind.

a singular length

Uses "singular" to indicate that the length is unique and not multiple.

a continuous length

Highlights the unbroken nature of the length.

a uniform length

Suggests that the length is consistent and without variation.

a specific length

Focuses on the precise and defined nature of the length.

a given length

Indicates that the length is predetermined or established.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single length" to refer to a specific measurement or dimension, as in "The table was made from "a single length" of wood".

What phrases are similar to "a single length"?

Alternatives include "one length", "a solitary length", or "an individual length" depending on the context.

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

While "the single length" might be grammatically correct in certain very specific contexts where the length has already been defined, ""a single length"" is generally more appropriate when introducing the concept of one specific measurement.

How does "a single length" differ from "multiple lengths"?

"A single length" refers to only one measurement or segment, while "multiple lengths" implies there are several different measurements or segments involved.