a single parent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single parent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an individual who is raising a child or children without the assistance of a partner or spouse. Example: "Being a single parent can be challenging, but it also brings unique rewards and experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I never wanted to be a single parent," she said.

The New York Times

I'm a single parent.

The New York Times

"I was a single parent.

The New York Times

"I'm a single parent," she said.

The New York Times

TALL, fat, a single parent, boozy, depressed.

The Economist

As a single parent, Godelieva was overwhelmed.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Ashley came from a single-parent family.

The Guardian

Bilwal Bhutto has unexpectedly become a single-parent child.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm from a single-parent family in inner-city Nottingham.

The Guardian

I was raised in a single-parent family.

The Guardian

I live in a single-parent family.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about family structures, use the phrase "a single parent" to accurately and respectfully describe a parent raising a child or children alone.

Common error

Don't assume that "a single parent" is always a mother. Use gender-neutral language unless the context requires specifying the parent's gender.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single parent" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies an individual who raises a child or children without a partner. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a single parent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase to describe an individual raising a child or children alone. Ludwig AI confirms this, with examples spanning news, academic research, and general discussions. While the term itself is neutral, it's crucial to use it respectfully and without perpetuating stereotypes. Alternatives like "a lone parent" or "an unmarried parent" exist, but "a single parent" remains the most common and widely understood term. The phrase's prevalence across diverse sources underscores its importance in contemporary language and social discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sole parent

Replaces 'single' with 'sole', emphasizing the aloneness in parenting.

a lone parent

Substitutes 'single' with 'lone', highlighting the solitary aspect of parenting.

an unmarried parent

Focuses on the marital status as the defining characteristic.

a one-parent family

Shifts the focus to the family structure rather than the individual parent.

a single mother

Specifies the gender of the single parent.

a single father

Specifies the gender of the single parent (male).

parenting alone

Emphasizes the act of parenting without a partner.

solo parenting

Uses a more concise term for parenting alone.

being a solo parent

Phrases the concept as an experience or state of being.

a parent without a partner

Descriptive alternative that avoids the term 'single'.

FAQs

What are some other terms for "a single parent"?

Alternatives include "a lone parent", "a sole parent", or "an unmarried parent" depending on the context and specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a single parent" in formal writing?

Yes, "a single parent" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and widely understood term. More descriptive phrases like "a parent without a partner" can also be used, especially if more detail is needed.

How does using "a single parent" differ from saying "a broken home"?

"A single parent" is a neutral term describing a family structure. "A broken home" is an outdated and often offensive term that implies negativity or dysfunction, which is not inherent to single-parent families.

What challenges might "a single parent" face?

While not explicitly linguistic, it's helpful to understand the contexts. Challenges can include financial strain, time management difficulties, and emotional stress, but these are not defining characteristics and vary greatly.