a single point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to one specific location, idea, or argument in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In our discussion, I would like to focus on a single point that highlights the main issue at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Juve leads by a single point.

The New York Times - Sports

Edwina won by a single point.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He did not watch a single point.

The New York Times - Sports

There isn't a single point — ta-da!

The New York Times

I think that there won't be a single point.

The New York Times

They led the Saints by just a single point.

The Guardian - Sport

Love seemed to emanate from a single point of light.

The New Yorker

Their previous seven games had yielded a single point.

The Guardian - Sport

"With BlackBerry you have a single point of control".

The New York Times - Tech

The other, at Montpellier, they lost by a single point.

Independent

None of the three have scored even a single point.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a single point" to clearly emphasize a singular focus or aspect within a larger context. For example, 'The presentation focused on a single point: the need for increased funding.'

Common error

Avoid overuse of "a single point" in close proximity. Vary your language by employing synonyms like "one specific point" or "a key aspect" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single point" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig shows this expression appearing in various contexts, emphasizing a singular element, location, or idea. It serves to highlight specificity and focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a single point" is a versatile and common expression used to emphasize singularity, focus, or a critical element across diverse contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives like "one specific point" or "a solitary point" exist, "a single point" offers a clear and concise way to highlight a particular aspect. Be mindful of potential overuse and consider synonyms to maintain writing freshness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one specific point

Replaces 'single' with 'specific', emphasizing precision.

a solitary point

Uses 'solitary' to highlight the isolated nature of the point.

a unique point

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the point.

one particular point

Highlights the point's specificity and individuality.

a lone point

Uses 'lone' to stress the point's isolated status.

a central point

Shifts focus to the point's importance and centrality.

a focal point

Highlights the point as a center of attention or interest.

a key point

Emphasizes the point's significance and importance.

a singular item

Uses 'singular' instead of 'single' and 'item' instead of 'point'.

a concentrated area

Shifts the focus from a point to a small area

FAQs

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

You can use "a single point" to emphasize a specific item or idea, as in "The argument hinges on "a single point" of data" or "The design focuses on "a single point" of contact for customer service".

What are some alternatives to "a single point"?

Alternatives include "one specific point", "a solitary point", or "a key point" depending on the context. Each alternative provides a slightly different nuance.

Is it redundant to say "a single point in time"?

While "a single point in time" might seem redundant, it emphasizes the instantaneous nature of something. Whether it's necessary depends on the context; sometimes, just "a moment" or "an instant" is sufficient.

What is the meaning of "a single point of failure" in system design?

In system design, "a single point of failure" refers to a component whose failure would cause the entire system to stop working. It's a critical vulnerability that designers aim to eliminate through redundancy and fail-safes.