a single mother

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single mother" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a woman who is raising a child or children without a partner. Example: "She is a single mother who works two jobs to support her family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A single mother.

The Washington Post

Imagine you're also a single mother.

Independent

"Is she a single mother?" Murray demands.

The New Yorker

Meg Booth is a single mother.

The New York Times

She's a single mother of two.

The New York Times

The typical resident is a single mother.

The New York Times

"I am a single mother.

The Guardian

"I'm just a single mother".

The New York Times

Jess is a single mother.

The Guardian - Books

She's largely a single mother.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But she is a single mother.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "a single mother", consider the context and audience. Use respectful and inclusive language that avoids stereotypes or assumptions.

Common error

Do not assume all "a single mother" face the same challenges or have the same experiences. Individualize your writing to reflect the diversity within this group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single mother" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a woman who raises a child or children without a partner. Ludwig shows numerous examples of its use in various contexts. The phrase accurately reflects a familial and societal role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a single mother" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a woman who raises a child or children without a partner. As demonstrated by Ludwig's numerous examples, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and also has a presence in formal and business settings. The term serves to identify a family structure, often providing crucial context in discussions related to family dynamics, societal trends, or personal narratives. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase follows standard grammatical rules and is broadly understood, making it an appropriate and widely accepted term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

single mom

A shortened and more casual version of the original phrase.

lone parent

Replaces the word "single" with "lone", emphasizing the solitude of parenting.

mother without a partner

Directly states the absence of a partner in the mother's life.

unmarried mother

Focuses on the marital status of the mother, highlighting that she is not married.

sole caregiver

Emphasizes the role of being the only individual responsible for the child's care.

one-parent family head

A more formal term indicating the individual leading a family with one parent.

independent mother

Highlights the independent status of the mother.

mother raising a child alone

Expands on the phrase to specify the action of raising a child without a partner.

woman parenting independently

Highlights the independent nature of the woman's parenting role.

woman raising children solo

Emphasizes that she is the sole person responsible for raising her children.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single mother" to describe a woman who raises a child or children without a partner. For example: "She is "a single mother" who works hard to provide for her family."

What are some alternative phrases for "a single mother"?

Some alternatives include "lone parent", "unmarried mother", or "sole caregiver" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "a single mother"?

Yes, "a single mother" is generally considered an appropriate and neutral term. However, always be mindful of the context and avoid language that could be perceived as judgmental or stigmatizing.

What's the difference between "a single mother" and "an unmarried mother"?

While both phrases describe a mother raising a child without a partner, "unmarried mother" specifically emphasizes the marital status, whereas "a single mother" focuses on the parenting situation, regardless of marital history.