a single name

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single name" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to one specific name, often in contexts where multiple names are being discussed or compared. Example: "In the database, each entry is identified by a single name to ensure clarity and avoid confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A single name, rather unfairly, suggests you are being exclusive.

The Guardian - Books

Chances are you won't recognize a single name.

The New York Times

Many of the women you know by a single name.

The New York Times

Like some Javanese, he went by a single name.

The New York Times - Magazine

Like many Indonesians, Mr. Surono uses a single name.

The New York Times

After months of procrastination she produced not a single name.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like many Indonesians, she goes by a single name.

The New York Times

receive a single name of the original discoverer (individual or team).

Harvard University

Oracle will treat everything inside the double quotes literally as a single name.

Stanford University

There are many purifications of bodies which may with propriety be comprehended under a single name.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

On it was written a telephone number and a single name: Susan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing simplicity or uniqueness, "a single name" effectively conveys that only one name is associated with something.

Common error

While generally acceptable, "a single name" can sometimes sound less formal than alternatives like "one name" or "a unique identifier" in academic or professional writing. Choose the phrasing that best matches the overall tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single name" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a single name" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that serves to emphasize the simplicity, uniqueness, or exclusivity of a designation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts from news and media to academic writing. While perfectly correct, choosing between "a single name" and alternatives such as "one name" or "a unique identifier" depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When in doubt, consider the formality and target audience of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one name

Focuses on the quantity (one) rather than the singularity or completeness implied by "single".

a solitary name

Emphasizes the isolated nature of the name.

just one name

Adds a sense of simplicity or limitation.

a unique identifier

Shifts the focus to the name's function as an identifier.

a sole name

Highlights the exclusivity of the name.

a single identifier

Replaces "name" with the broader term "identifier".

a unique moniker

Uses the more informal term "moniker" for name.

a unified denomination

More formal and abstract; suitable for technical contexts.

a common designation

More suitable for cases in which different items share the same name.

a shared label

Focuses on shared property of the item being named.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single name" to emphasize the simplicity or uniqueness of an identifier. For example, "Each product is identified by "a single name" in our database."

What are some alternatives to "a single name"?

Alternatives include "one name", "a solitary name", or "a unique identifier", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a single name" or "one name"?

Both "a single name" and "one name" are grammatically correct. "A single name" emphasizes uniqueness or simplicity, while "one name" simply indicates the quantity.

When should I use "a unique identifier" instead of "a single name"?

Use "a unique identifier" when the focus is on the identifying function of the name, especially in technical or database contexts. "A single name" is more general and can be used in a wider range of situations.