a single piece

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single piece" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It usually describes a singular item, as opposed to one of many. For example, "The collector had been searching for a single piece from the artist's rarest series for years before finally coming across it in an antique store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not a single piece was heard uninterrupted.

The Guardian - Music

You were wearing a single piece polyester or silk dress.

The New York Times

It is hand formed from a single piece of aluminum.

The New York Times

Sometimes several suggestions coalesce in a single piece.

The New York Times - Arts

Gemstone clouds captured within a single piece of rock crystal.

The Economist

They are usually a single piece of plastic.

The New York Times - Tech

The rock had fallen in a single piece.

The New Yorker

Or is it a single piece of art?

The New York Times - Arts

Both were made from a single piece of milled aluminium.

Independent

These will be made from a single piece of plastic.

The Economist

"There was not a single piece of evidence against him".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, use "a single piece" to emphasize that an object is made from one continuous material, such as "The desk was carved from a single piece of wood."

Common error

Avoid using "a single piece" when referring to abstract concepts that aren't physically divisible. For example, instead of saying "a single piece of advice", use "a single piece of information" or "one piece of advice".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single piece" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It designates a singular item or component, as confirmed by Ludwig examples, emphasizing its individuality and distinction from multiple items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

28%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single piece" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the singularity of an item across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in news, scientific articles, and wikis. When using the phrase, ensure it appropriately conveys the idea of something being whole or individual, as opposed to multiple items or abstract concepts. Alternative phrases such as "one individual item" or "a solitary element" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid using "a single piece" for abstract concepts that are not physically divisible, as confirmed by Ludwig examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one individual item

Replaces "piece" with "item" and emphasizes the individuality of the object.

a solitary element

Substitutes "piece" with "element", highlighting its role as part of a whole.

an individual component

Uses "component" instead of "piece", suggesting a functional part of something.

a unique segment

Replaces "piece" with "segment", implying a distinct section.

a single unit

Emphasizes the singularity and wholeness of the "piece" using "unit".

a lone fragment

Substitutes "piece" with "fragment", emphasizing that it is a small part of something larger.

a separate entity

Replaces "piece" with "entity", highlighting its distinct and independent existence.

a discrete item

Uses "discrete" to emphasize the distinct and separate nature of the "item".

a singular object

Replaces "piece" with "object", suggesting a tangible thing.

one particular instance

Uses "instance" instead of "piece", focusing on a specific occurrence.

FAQs

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

Use "a single piece" to describe an individual item or component, such as "The sculpture was crafted from "a single block" of marble" or "I only ate "a single cookie"".

What phrases are similar to "a single piece"?

Alternatives include "one individual item", "a solitary element", or "an individual component", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a single piece of evidence"?

Yes, it is correct to use "a single piece of evidence". It means one item or fact that supports a claim. For example, "There wasn't "a shred of evidence" to support the accusation".

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

While both phrases are often interchangeable, "a single piece" emphasizes the unified nature of the item, while "one piece" simply indicates quantity. For example, "The furniture came as "one unit" with a simple assembly" and "The metal was forged from "a single ingot"".