a single member

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single member" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one individual belonging to a group or organization. Example: "The committee was formed with a single member to represent the interests of the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each constituency returns a single member.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If a single member shouts "object", the resolution will fall.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it cannot claim a single member in Crittenden County.

The New York Times

Not a single member of the panel responded.

The New York Times

Claim: "One in five American households do not have a single member in the labor force, not a single member of the household.

The New York Times

The 189 executions since 13 March have included not a single member of these proscribed groups.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not a single member of Hezbollah had been killed there, far less any notable.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is not a single member country of the European Union with a precisely similar body.

The Guardian

I for one couldn't name a single member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

The Guardian - Film

I fail to see how that outs a single member of GCHQ".

The Guardian

So far, however, not a single member of Al Qaeda has been discovered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single member", ensure the context clearly defines the group or category the member belongs to. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the meaning is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "a single member" when the relevant group or category isn't clear. For example, instead of saying "A single member disagreed", specify "A single member of the committee disagreed" to provide necessary context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single member" functions primarily as a determiner phrase, specifying one particular individual within a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a single member" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote one individual within a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Appearing frequently in news, scientific articles, and encyclopedias, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. Related phrases include "one member" and "a lone member", each carrying slight nuances in meaning. When using "a single member", it's crucial to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Overall, "a single member" is a reliable and effective way to refer to one individual within a group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one member

Focuses on the numerical aspect, emphasizing the quantity of one.

an individual member

Highlights the individuality and separateness of the member.

a lone member

Emphasizes the isolation or uniqueness of the member.

a solitary member

Similar to 'lone', but with a stronger connotation of being alone.

just one member

Adds emphasis to the fact that there is only one member.

a unique member

Highlights the distinctiveness and unparalleled nature of the member.

a singular member

Implies that the member is exceptional or noteworthy.

a particular member

Focuses on specifying one member out of a group.

a specific member

Similar to 'particular', emphasizing the defined nature of the member.

any one member

Indicates any member, with focus on the fact that only one is relevant.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single member" to refer to one individual within a group or organization. For example: "A single member of the team was responsible for the presentation."

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

Alternatives include "one member", "an individual member", or "a lone member", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "a single member" or "one member"?

"A single member" and "one member" are generally interchangeable in most contexts. However, "a single member" might sound slightly more formal in certain situations.

When should I use "a lone member" instead of "a single member"?

Use "a lone member" when you want to emphasize the isolation or uniqueness of the individual, while "a single member" is more neutral and focuses on the quantity.