a single question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one specific inquiry or point of discussion. Example: "I have a single question regarding the project timeline that I would like to clarify."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She never answers a single question".

The New Yorker

He didn't ask me a single question.

The New York Times

Sometimes people don't have a single question.

The New York Times

I can't now remember a single question.

Independent

An apparantly confused Edmondson replied with a single question mark.

The Guardian

A single question has plagued me all week.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not a single question on the Authorised Version.

The Guardian

"He's never asked me a single question about that.

The New Yorker

The crux of the movie comes from a single question.

The New Yorker

Sturgeon voted for a single question, as did Crawford.

The Guardian

If we hear our name called, we are allowed to ask her a single question.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single question", ensure it clearly highlights the focus on one specific inquiry, especially when multiple issues might be relevant.

Common error

Don't assume that posing "a single question" is sufficient. Ensure it's comprehensive enough or followed by necessary clarifications to fully address the matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies a focus on one specific inquiry. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single question" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize a focus on one specific inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility and correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it serves to limit the scope of discussion or highlight a particular point. When using this phrase, ensure that the single question sufficiently covers the intended scope or is adequately elaborated upon. Consider alternatives like "one question" or "a solitary question" for subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one question

Simplifies the phrasing by using the numeral "one" instead of "a single".

a solitary question

Emphasizes the isolated nature of the question with the word "solitary".

just one question

Adds emphasis on the limited number of questions.

a lone question

Uses "lone" to highlight the isolated nature of the question.

a unique question

Shifts the focus to the distinctiveness of the question rather than its singularity.

a particular question

Emphasizes the specificity of the question.

one specific question

Combines the numerical limitation with an emphasis on the question's precise nature.

the key question

Focuses on the importance of the question.

the central question

Highlights the question's role as a focal point.

the primary question

Indicates that the question is of utmost importance or comes first in a sequence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single question" to emphasize that you are focusing on just one inquiry, as in, "A single question remains: what is the long-term impact of this policy?"

What are some alternatives to "a single question"?

You can use alternatives like "one question", "a solitary question", or "just one question" depending on the desired emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "a single question" instead of "one question"?

While both are largely interchangeable, "a single question" can subtly emphasize the isolated or unique nature of the inquiry compared to the more neutral "one question".

Can "a single question" refer to a series of related questions?

No, "a single question" should refer to one specific inquiry. If you have a series of related questions, it's more accurate to say "a series of questions" or "several questions".