a single operation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single operation" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe any individual action or task that is not part of a larger process. For example: "Before beginning the procedure, he made sure to check every step, ensuring it was completed with a single operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The implant is inserted in a single operation, compared with other methods that require two operations.

The Guardian

"Special forces can hide ID for a single operation but the military cannot do this for extended periods.

The Guardian

The Web sites of some surgeons list promotions like $500 off a single operation or $1,000 off a combination of body or facial surgeries.

The New York Times

The demand for 250,000 troops in a single operation would place great strain on a military that has two-thirds the manpower it did in late 1990.

The New York Times

At that time, providers like Telecom Italia, which owns four cellular companies in Brazil, will be allowed to consolidate their holdings into a single operation.

The New York Times

"It's a single operation similar to a hip or knee replacement and the patient walks straight-away," he told The Independent on Sunday.

Independent

The Linotype and Intertype slugcasting typesetters produce lines of letterpress composition in a single operation, starting with the assembling of the movable matrices.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The bank will also consolidate all its purchases in a single operation in an effort to improve transparency of the bank's purchases.

The New York Times

"The BHF's Mending Broken Hearts Appeal is aimed at accelerating this research so that babies born with congenital heart defects in the future can look forward to a healthy life after a single operation".

The Guardian

A fine-grained service only includes a single operation.

SOA and Web Services Interface Design Principles, Techniques, and Standards

Our method performs noise reduction, color interpolation, and HDR fusion in a single operation.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a medical procedure or a technical process, use "a single operation" to emphasize that it's performed in one step, rather than multiple stages. This can highlight efficiency or a less invasive approach.

Common error

Avoid using "a single operation" when referring to a series of interconnected actions. Ensure the described activity is genuinely a self-contained, individual process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single operation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig shows its use across many domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a single operation" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize that a process or action is completed in one step. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. It frequently appears in scientific, news and media contexts, with a slightly formal register. To highlight the unitary action, alternatives such as "one operation" or "a solitary operation" can be employed. When using this phrase, ensure that the described activity is, in fact, a self-contained and individual procedure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one operation

This alternative is a shorter, more concise way of saying "a single operation".

an individual operation

Replaces "single" with "individual", stressing the separate and distinct nature of the operation.

a solitary operation

Replaces "single" with "solitary", emphasizing the isolated nature of the operation.

a discrete operation

Replaces "single" with "discrete", which underlines the action being separate and distinguishable.

a unique operation

Substitutes "single" with "unique", highlighting the distinct or unparalleled nature of the operation.

a stand-alone operation

Replaces "single" with "stand-alone", emphasizing the self-contained nature of the operation.

a unified operation

Highlights the combined and harmonious function of the action.

a one-time operation

Focuses on the operation happening only once.

a consolidated operation

Emphasizes the combination of multiple actions into one.

a streamlined operation

Highlights the efficiency and simplification of the operation.

FAQs

What does "a single operation" mean?

The phrase "a single operation" refers to an action or process that is performed in one step or instance, without being divided into multiple stages or procedures.

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

You can use it to describe a process that is completed in one step, such as: "The new software update performs the data backup in "one operation"."

What are some alternatives to "a single operation"?

Some alternatives include "one operation", "a solitary operation", or "a unique operation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both phrases are correct, but "a single operation" might emphasize the unitary aspect more strongly. The choice depends on the context and desired emphasis. See also "a solitary operation" as another similar alternative.