a single person

USAGE SUMMARY

"a single person" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an individual person, as opposed to a group of people. For example: "Being a single person, I found myself with a lot of free time to pursue hobbies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a single person?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not a single person was arrested.

The Economist

Much depends on a single person.

The New York Times

"We've never shocked a single person".

The New York Times

It treats you as a single person.

The New York Times

Just not in a single person.

The Guardian

So imagine a single person.

Yale University

Didn't kill a single person.

The Guardian

Are the interdependent women a single person?

The Guardian - Film

Not a single person could say so.

The Guardian - Books

I have not seen a single person.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision in formal writing, use "a single person" to specifically denote one individual, especially when contrasting with groups or multiple entities. For example, use "a single person" instead of "people" when you want to clearly define the scope.

Common error

Avoid using "a single person" when a more general term like "someone" or "an individual" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single person" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe individuals in various contexts, from legal discussions to personal experiences. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

22%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single person" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase in written English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase to emphasize individuality, contrasting with groups. Predominantly found in news and media, academia, and science, its register is neutral to slightly formal. Alternatives include "an individual" or "one person", depending on the context. It is important to not overuse the phrase, and consider if a more general term like "someone" is more suitable. Ludwig examples demonstrate its consistent use across various reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one person

Simplifies the phrase while retaining the core meaning.

an individual

Replaces "person" with a more formal synonym.

just one person

Emphasizes the singularity and possible insignificance of the person.

a lone individual

Emphasizes the solitude or isolation of the person.

a unique person

Highlights the distinctiveness of the individual.

a solitary figure

Conveys a sense of isolation and detachment.

a human being

A more formal and general term for a person.

a particular person

Highlights a specific, though perhaps unidentified, individual.

a certain person

Similar to 'a particular person', but can also imply mystery.

not a soul

Idiomatic expression indicating the absence of any person.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single person" to refer to an individual, often when emphasizing their uniqueness or isolation. For example, "A single person can make a difference".

What are some alternatives to "a single person"?

Alternatives include "an individual", "one person", or, depending on the context, "a lone individual" or "a solitary figure".

Is it ever incorrect to use "a single person"?

While grammatically correct, using "a single person" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. In such cases, "one person" or "someone" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "a single person" and "an individual"?

Both refer to one person, but "an individual" is generally considered more formal. "A single person" can sometimes emphasize the person's isolation or uniqueness, while "an individual" is often used in legal or official contexts.