a single photo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single photo" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to one individual photograph, often in contexts where multiple photos are being discussed or compared. Example: "I only need a single photo for the application, not a whole album."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Can you capture your business in a single photo?

The New York Times

Oh, how she pined for just a single photo!

The New Yorker

Her senior class yearbook reveals a single photo, no campus activities.

The New York Times

Then Mr. Bender sold half the edition for him before a single photo was made.

The New York Times

After all, there wasn't a single photo of my father or me in that house.

The New York Times

Also, because it's designed to be so simple, you can only add a single photo for an entry.

The New York Times - Tech

But the walls looked different in that not a single photo of my sisters or me hung on them.

The New York Times

Her presence in Hollywood is spectral — she has a single photo taken in 2006 that runs everywhere.

The New York Times

Using sophisticated filters and tiny apertures, the photographer took a single photo of the Potsdamer Platz with an exposure time of 26 months.

The New York Times

For example, HomeDepot.com has built out an array of videos for multipurpose drills and other items not well served by a single photo and a short text description.

The New York Times - Tech

Most interestingly, the camera has face detection that can find and focus on up to 10 subjects in a single photo.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize that you are referring to only one photograph and not a collection or series, use "a single photo". It's especially useful when contrasting it with multiple photos or a photo album.

Common error

Avoid using "a single photo" repetitively in close proximity within your writing. If the context already implies singularity, simply use "photo" to prevent redundancy. For example: "The article featured a single photo. This photo depicted...". Instead use: "The article featured a single photo. This depicted..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single photo" functions as a noun phrase, specifying one particular photograph. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. The word "single" here acts as an adjective modifying "photo", emphasizing its solitary nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a single photo" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize that one and only one photograph is being referred to. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is correct and shows its usage across diverse contexts, including news, scientific research, and informal content. While synonyms like "one photo" or "a solitary photo" exist, "a single photo" remains a clear and versatile choice. When using "a single photo", ensure it effectively contrasts with multiple images or other media to justify its emphatic nature, avoiding overuse for stylistic clarity. It appears neutrally across source types as identified by Ludwig, proving its flexibility and widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one photo

Simple substitution of "a single" with "one".

a lone photograph

Synonymous replacement using "lone" and "photograph".

a solitary photo

Replaces "single" with a synonym emphasizing the isolated nature of the photo.

just one photo

Adds emphasis on the singularity of the photo.

a single image

Replaces "photo" with the more general term "image".

a solitary picture

Replaces "photo" with "picture" and "single" with "solitary".

a standalone photo

Emphasizes that the photo is not part of a series or collection.

a sole photo

Replaces single with 'sole'.

a unique photo

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the photo, rather than just its count.

a one-off photo

Emphasizes the non-recurring or unique nature of the photo.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single photo" to emphasize that you are referring to just one photograph, especially when contrasting it with multiple photos or other forms of media. For example, "The entire story was told through "a single photo"."

What are some alternatives to saying "a single photo"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "one photo", "a solitary photo", or "just one photo".

Is it more correct to say "a single photograph" instead of "a single photo"?

Both "a single photo" and "a single photograph" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on your preference. "Photo" is a shortened, more informal version of "photograph", but they are interchangeable in most contexts.

What does it mean to convey a message using "a single photo"?

Conveying a message using "a single photo" means that the photograph is powerful and evocative enough to communicate a complex idea, emotion, or story without the need for additional explanation. It relies on the visual impact and symbolism within the image.