a single remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single remark" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to one specific comment or statement made by someone. Example: "After hearing a single remark from the audience, the speaker decided to change the direction of the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Given that it was a single remark — an indefensible remark, but nonetheless a single remark, for which he has apologized — it's hard to imagine why the administration decided he should be suspended" in the interim, he said.

The New York Times

The world state is used to filter this set of remarks to a single remark, which is used by the NPC as the reply.

Journal of Visual Languages & Computing

The document portrays Mr. Sterling's concerns as inaccurate, saying they were "based solely upon his mischaracterization of a single remark by a participant" in the operation.

The New York Times

Gordon maintains that "Parallax" (1925) was "favorably compared with" "The Waste Land," although the claim is based on a single remark by one of Cunard's friends.

The New York Times - Books

A single remark by Billy's cloying fiancee, about her dream of a "little Billy and little Barbara", became a catchphrase among my friends.

The Guardian

Henry James got the idea for The Spoils of Poynton from a single remark heard at dinner, but he also had to find out somehow what lovely possessions looked and felt and smelled like, the tapestries splendidly toned by time, the thrilling touch of the old velvet brocade.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The retweet of a political opponent with the single remark "LOL"… The Facebook post that begins "I literally can't understand how anyone could believe" … The blog post that consists of saying "Can you believe someone actually said this?" … This juvenilia is beneath you.

The Washington Post

More than two dozen people wrote their congratulations on the new sign — surely one of the only comment boards in the city that didn't garner a single negative remark, or even a vulgar one.

The New York Times

It took hours of work on a single, brief remark.

The New York Times

A single intemperate remark by a supporter can make a candidate look foolish, and lose them a news cycle or three.

The New Yorker

One can read right through "I Love You, Ronnie," the volume of love letters published by Nancy in 2000, without finding a single perceptive remark about her.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a single remark" to emphasize the impact or significance of one isolated comment, especially when it contrasts with a larger discussion or context.

Common error

Avoid using "a single remark" when the comment is part of a larger, interconnected discussion. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and appear melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single remark" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It highlights a specific, isolated comment or statement. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is used across a range of contexts to emphasize the impact or significance of one isolated comment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single remark" is a commonly used phrase that serves to emphasize an isolated comment or statement, often highlighting its significance or impact. Ludwig AI indicates its widespread use across various contexts, including news, media, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, consider whether it is intended to emphasize a comment's importance or perhaps criticize an overemphasis on a singular statement taken out of context. While grammatically correct and versatile, be mindful of potential overstatement. Alternatives like "one comment" or "an isolated statement" may offer a less emphatic tone. Ultimately, understanding its nuanced usage contributes to more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one comment

Replaces "remark" with the more general term "comment", offering a slightly less formal tone.

a solitary comment

Emphasizes the isolated nature of the comment, similar to "single".

an isolated statement

Uses "statement" instead of "remark", highlighting the declaration aspect.

a lone comment

Uses "lone" to stress the isolated nature of the remark.

an individual comment

Highlights that the comment came from one person or source.

a unique observation

Suggests the remark is insightful or distinct.

a singular observation

More formal, suggesting the remark is noteworthy.

a brief statement

Highlights the remark's brevity.

one utterance

A more formal and technical term for a spoken remark.

a passing comment

Implies the remark was brief and perhaps not intended to be significant.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single remark" to emphasize the impact or significance of one isolated comment. For example: "After hearing "a single remark" from the audience, the speaker changed the direction of the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "a single remark"?

You can use alternatives like "one comment", "a solitary comment", or "an isolated statement" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "one remark" or "a single remark"?

Both "one remark" and "a single remark" are grammatically correct. "A single remark" often emphasizes the isolated nature or unexpected impact of the comment, while "one remark" is a more neutral statement.

Can "a single remark" cause a misunderstanding?

Yes, taking "a single remark" out of context can easily lead to misunderstanding because the comment may not fully represent the speaker's overall views or intentions.