a single photograph

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single photograph" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one specific image or picture, often in contexts discussing photography, art, or documentation. Example: "The exhibit featured a single photograph that captured the essence of the city at dawn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Péralte's death, in 1919, is legendary in Haiti, owing in large part to a single photograph taken by an anonymous U.S. Marine photographer.

The New Yorker

Inside was a single photograph.

The New York Times

We never had a single photograph developed.

The New York Times - Style

The book, I should admit, does contain a single photograph.

The Guardian

Not a single photograph of Tengo's mother had survived.

The New Yorker

I don't have a single photograph of my mother.

The New York Times - Science

Each student took a single photograph and told a single anecdote.

University of California, Berkeley

He didn't skip a single photograph, even prying apart pages that had got stuck.

The New Yorker

All pieces are accompanied with a single photograph and some include audio.

The New York Times

"To make a single photograph," Khan says, "I use a lot of found imagery.

The New York Times

Not a single photograph or picture of any kind, not a book or a magazine.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single photograph", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to one specific image, not photography in general. For example, specify its subject or purpose to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a single photograph" when discussing photography as a whole or multiple images. Instead, use terms like "photographs", "photography", or "images" to accurately reflect the broader context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single photograph" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and specify a particular image, emphasizing its singularity. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single photograph" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to refer to one specific image. Ludwig AI's analysis and the extensive examples show its usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to one particular photograph. Alternatives like "one photograph" or "a solitary photo" can be used to subtly adjust the emphasis or formality. Avoiding overgeneralization is crucial to maintain accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one photograph

Simple substitution with "one" for brevity and directness.

a solitary photo

Emphasizes the isolated nature of the photograph.

just one picture

Informal alternative, stressing the uniqueness and scarcity.

a unique image

Highlights the distinctiveness of the photograph.

a lone snapshot

Conveys a sense of singularity and informality.

a singular photographic image

More formal and emphasizes the photographic nature.

one captured moment

Focuses on the moment frozen in the photograph.

a single frame

Refers to the photograph as an individual unit within a larger context.

a unique visual record

Highlights the photograph's role as a distinctive form of documentation.

a stand-alone picture

Emphasizes that the picture exists independently.

FAQs

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

Use "a single photograph" to refer to one specific picture, such as, "The exhibit featured "a single photograph" of the city skyline."

What's the difference between "a single photograph" and "one photograph"?

While both phrases refer to one picture, "a single photograph" emphasizes the uniqueness or isolation of the image, whereas "one photograph" is a more straightforward, neutral descriptor.

What can I say instead of "a single photograph"?

You can use alternatives like "one photograph", "a solitary photo", or "just one picture" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a single photograph"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that you are discussing only one image, especially if that image is particularly significant or stands in contrast to other possible images.