a single letter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single letter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one character from the alphabet, often in contexts related to writing, spelling, or coding. Example: "In the word 'cat', the first letter is a single letter 'c'."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A single letter is nice and easy.

The New York Times

With a single letter the Germans have crossed the Rubicon.

The Economist

Even if it's only by a single letter.

The New York Times

FIND THE PHYSICIST Each term of the equation (separated by + signs) represents a single letter.

The New York Times

In fact, the MPC has not had to write the chancellor a single letter.

The Economist

On the Web, there's another way a single letter can enhance a company's prestige.

The New York Times

All of Google's top suggestions for a single letter are sites and companies.

The New York Times

There wasn't a single letter where each word didn't have three mistakes in it.

The New Yorker

He did not receive a single letter of support at his sentencing hearing.

The Economist

And he's got a single letter for his surname, just like you … Yes!

The Guardian - Sport

You can meditate on a single letter without knowing what it means".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing code or genetics, clarify the specific letter (e.g., "the 'A' allele") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a single letter" when referring to something that requires more specificity. For instance, instead of saying "The code has a single letter wrong", specify the line number and the correct character.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single letter" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to an individual element within a set of characters, often used in contexts involving language, codes, or identification. As supported by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

45%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single letter" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, primarily functioning to specify an individual element within a broader context such as text, code, or genetics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it sees frequent usage across a broad range of reliable sources, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, indicating its versatility and general acceptance in both formal and informal settings. When writing, be sure to clarify the specific letter to avoid ambiguity, especially in technical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one character

Focuses on the character itself, without necessarily implying its function as a letter.

one written character

Specifies that the character is in written form.

an isolated letter

Emphasizes that the letter is standing alone.

a lone character

Emphasizes the solitary aspect of the letter or symbol.

a simple letter

Highlights the uncomplicated nature of the letter.

just a letter

Downplays the importance of the letter.

merely a letter

Similar to "just a letter", suggesting insignificance.

a unique symbol

Highlights the distinctiveness of the letter, particularly in a symbolic context.

an individual glyph

More technical term referring to a specific visual representation of a character.

a solitary grapheme

Formal term related to the written form of a language.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single letter" to refer to an individual character, such as "The password required at least one number and "a single letter"." It can also refer to the name of a stock, like "Tesla stock is known as a three letters stock but many companies are identified by "a single letter"."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a single letter"?

Similar phrases include "one character", "a lone character", or "an individual glyph", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a single letter" or should I use another phrase?

"A single letter" is perfectly correct. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Sometimes the best term is "one character".

What's the difference between "a single letter" and "a single character"?

While often interchangeable, "a single letter" specifically implies a letter of the alphabet, whereas "a single character" can refer to any symbol, number, or letter.