a single passage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single passage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one specific excerpt or section of text, often in the context of literature, documents, or speeches. Example: "In the novel, the author captures the essence of love in a single passage that resonates with readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Russia opened eight corridors for evacuations during the ceasefire, but just a handful of people crossed through a single passage.

The Guardian

After chapter 4 in Matthew and Luke, not a single passage from Q is in the same place.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is not a single passage in the law that does not correspond to the media law in E.U. countries".

The New York Times

Too many images, though, in a single passage risks an excessive lushness often referred to as "purple prose".

The New York Times

And off the top of your head, can you quote a single passage from any presidential inaugural address since Kennedy's in 1961?

The New York Times

It distills the vastness of the symphony into a single passage, its very last chord being the musical equivalent of a big crunch.

The Guardian - Music

It's a very simple book to read, but it takes a long time to understand what it's really saying, so I read just a single passage a day.

The New York Times

He kept writing when he was dying of cancer, saying that he found hope in a single passage of the Book of Job.

The New York Times

Still, the speech was notable for its lack of a single passage about the positive role many illegal immigrants play in society, a concession that has become standard in most political pronouncements from Democrats on the subject.

The New York Times

There is not a single passage of mine that has been shown me in which I say that I want to return to the past, that I want priests in power, a theocracy.

The New Yorker

While in certain locations the trail did converge into a single passage, in other places the wagon trains might spread out, making the trail up to 0.5 mile (0.8 km) wide or more.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing a complex text, focus on "a single passage" to understand its core message before moving to other sections. This allows for deeper comprehension and prevents cognitive overload.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions or making sweeping statements based solely on "a single passage". Always consider the broader context of the entire document or work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single passage" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or a direct object. Ludwig examples show its use in identifying specific sections of text, like quoting "a single passage" from a speech or analyzing "a single passage" in a novel.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a single passage" functions as a noun phrase used to pinpoint a specific section of text. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and used across a wide range of contexts, primarily science, news media, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, the phrase can take on a more formal register in academic or analytical discussions. When using "a single passage", avoid overgeneralizing from that section alone and consider the broader context for a balanced understanding. Alternatives like "one excerpt" or "a unique segment" can offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one excerpt

Focuses on a specific portion of text, similar to a single passage.

a unique segment

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the portion, adding a nuance of individuality.

an individual section

Highlights the separateness of the part from the whole.

a solitary portion

Implies the part is isolated or stands alone.

a distinct fragment

Highlights that part is broken off or is just a piece of the whole text.

an isolated extract

Highlights the separation of the selected content from its source.

a particular section

Indicates a specific emphasis on a section of the text.

one instance

Stresses the occurrence of something in the passage.

a discrete unit

Emphasizes the completeness of a single element of content.

a specific selection

Underlines the choice or decision to focus on this part.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single passage" to refer to a specific section of text you are analyzing or referencing. For example, "The author reveals the character's motivation in "a single passage" on page 32."

What's an alternative to saying "a single passage"?

Alternatives include "one excerpt", "a solitary section", or "an individual section", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to base an entire argument on "a single passage"?

While "a single passage" can be insightful, it's generally best to support your argument with multiple passages or other evidence to ensure a comprehensive and well-supported analysis.

How does the meaning of "a single passage" change depending on the type of text?

The significance of "a single passage" can vary. In literature, it might reveal character or plot. In legal documents, it could define a crucial term. In scientific papers, it may present key data or findings.