a single minute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single minute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the brevity of time, often in contexts where time is a critical factor. Example: "I only need a single minute of your time to explain this important update."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not for a single minute.

The New Yorker

None of it, not a single minute?

Independent

Marbury did not play a single minute.

The New York Times - Sports

Some teams get that in a single minute.

The New York Times - Sports

We have not stopped to rest a single minute.

The New York Times

They aren't given a single minute of free time or privacy".

The Guardian

It can take hours to get just a single minute of material.

The Guardian

I could not shut my eyes for a single minute at night.

The Guardian

I'd never done a single minute of that, and that alone can be a destructive force.

The Guardian

Eastham had been in the squad, but didn't play a single minute of the tournament.

The Guardian - Sport

We were allowed access to bathroom twice a day, for a single minute.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a single minute" to emphasize the shortness or importance of a specific duration. It adds a touch of drama and underscores the value of that particular minute.

Common error

While "a single minute" is effective for emphasis, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language and reserve this phrase for moments where the brevity truly matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single minute" functions as a quantifier followed by a noun. It specifies a precise and limited duration, often used to emphasize the brevity or importance of that particular minute, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a single minute" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that emphasizes the shortness or significance of a brief duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, though most commonly found in News & Media. When writing, consider using "a single minute" to add emphasis, but avoid overuse. Alternatives like "a brief moment" or "just a minute" can provide similar meanings with differing levels of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mere minute

Adds emphasis on how insignificant or small the duration is.

one minute

More direct and less emphatic way to express the same duration.

just a minute

Expresses the request of a very short period of time.

a brief moment

Emphasizes the brevity and fleeting nature of the time period.

a split second

Focuses on an even shorter and more instantaneous duration.

a short time

General term indicating a limited period, less specific than "minute".

a fleeting instant

Highlights the ephemeral quality of the specified time.

single moment

More abstract and relates to opportunities or events.

brief interval

More formal and emphasizes the pause or space in time.

short period

A broader term, encompassing more than just a minute but indicates brevity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single minute" to emphasize the briefness or importance of a short duration, such as "I just need "a single minute" of your time" or "The game turned on "a single minute" of play".

What phrases are similar to "a single minute"?

Similar phrases include "a brief moment", "a split second", or "just a minute", all suggesting a very short period of time.

Is it better to say "a single minute" or "one minute"?

"A single minute" often carries a stronger emphasis than "one minute", highlighting the significance or brevity of that particular minute. "One minute" is more neutral and straightforward.

When should I use "a single minute" instead of "moment"?

Use "a single minute" when referring to a specific unit of time. Use "moment" when referring to a brief, unspecified duration that could be shorter or longer than a minute. For example: "In "a single minute", the situation changed drastically."