a single pencil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single pencil" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one pencil, emphasizing the quantity. Example: "I only need a single pencil to complete this drawing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"A single pencil?" "Yes.

The New Yorker

Inside the box was a single pencil.

The New Yorker

He can also transform a stack of old dictionaries or a single pencil casting a wide shadow into something of mysyteriously monumental import (Johnson).

The New York Times - Arts

He can also transform a stack of old dictionaries or a single pencil casting a wide shadow into something of mysteriously monumental import (Johnson).

The New York Times - Arts

My journey began with a single pencil.

Huffington Post

And then a realization occurred -- a single pencil could also build a school.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

For example, a bomb made with a single footlong pencil of cobalt from a food irradiation plant and just 10 pounds of TNT and detonated at Union Square in a light wind would send a plume of radiation drifting across three states.

The New York Times - Magazine

I always lose every single pencil I ever had.

The New York Times

Choose a single-pixel pencil.

WikiHow

Multiple processes and materials are often combined in a single drawing, including ink, pencil, gouache and charcoal, as well as collage.

The New York Times

But, like most artisanal products, these acute points have surprisingly obtuse price points: fifteen big ones for a single, carefully hand-sharpened pencil.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the importance or impact of even the smallest thing, use "a single pencil" to illustrate how something seemingly insignificant can be pivotal.

Common error

In formal contexts, overuse of the phrase "a single pencil" can sound repetitive or simplistic. Opt for synonyms or rephrase the sentence for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single pencil" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying and emphasizing the quantity of the noun "pencil". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound. The determiner "a" indicates singularity, while "single" reinforces this.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a single pencil" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Although its frequency is uncommon, it effectively emphasizes the concept of singularity, whether to highlight scarcity, simplicity, or uniqueness. The phrase is versatile, appearing in news, wiki articles, and scientific texts, suitable for neutral registers and creative narrative. Related phrases include “one pencil” or “a lone pencil”.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one pencil

Replaces the article "a" and adjective "single" with the numeral "one" for a more direct emphasis on quantity.

just one pencil

Adds "just" to emphasize the small quantity and potentially indicate that no more than one is needed.

only one pencil

Uses "only" to highlight that the quantity is limited to one.

a lone pencil

Replaces "single" with "lone", emphasizing the isolation or uniqueness of the pencil.

an individual pencil

Substitutes "single" with "individual" to underscore that the pencil is considered separately.

a solitary pencil

Uses "solitary" instead of "single", highlighting the pencil's state of being alone or isolated.

a unique pencil

Replaces "single" with "unique", emphasizing the pencil's distinctiveness.

a particular pencil

Shifts the focus to a specific pencil, rather than just any one.

a certain pencil

Indicates that the pencil is not just any random one, but a specific, though unspecified, pencil.

a singular pencil

Replaces "single" with "singular", placing emphasis on the unique and remarkable nature of the pencil.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single pencil" to emphasize the availability of only one item, such as, "All I need is "a single pencil" to finish this drawing."

What are some alternatives to "a single pencil"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "one pencil", "a lone pencil", or "just one pencil".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a single pencils"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. "Pencils" is plural, so you would not use the singular article "a" or the adjective "single" with it. The correct phrasing is "single pencil" when referring to multiple pencils that are all individual.

What does it mean when someone says "a single pencil"?

The phrase ""a single pencil"" usually highlights the idea that only one pencil is present or needed, often to emphasize scarcity, simplicity, or sufficiency.