a single set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one complete collection or group of items, often in contexts like mathematics, data organization, or inventory. Example: "In this experiment, we will analyze a single set of data to determine the overall trend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sisters share a single set of "privates".

Independent

Each mill drove a single set of stones without gearing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I wonder if a single set of best regards have ever actually been meant.

The Guardian - Sport

Shouldn't there be a single set of rules for describing it, rather than two inconsistent sets?

The New Yorker

Her lawsuit also questions the legitimacy of protection for a single set of terror victims.

The New York Times - Magazine

The family have no electricity, and share a single set of latrines with hundreds of others.

The Guardian

Last year Davenport did not drop a single set on her way to the championship.

The New York Times - Sports

But can you condone what they get up to under a single set of covers?

The New York Times - Books

But creating a single set of measurements for the entire retailing industry will be complicated.

The New York Times

There will also be a single set of rules covering the payment of pensions.

The Guardian - Business

Rusbridger patiently explained that there was more than a single set of documents.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single set", ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes the set. This avoids ambiguity and ensures that the reader understands what specific group or collection is being referenced.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a single set" implies simplicity or ease of use. While it refers to one collection, the elements within that set could still be complex or intricate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single set" primarily functions as a determiner phrase specifying a unique collection or grouping of items. As shown by Ludwig, it is used across various contexts to denote a singular, unified collection, be it data, rules, or physical objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

29%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single set" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase denoting a singular collection or group of items. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and versatility across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific, journalistic, and formal business settings. While seemingly straightforward, it's crucial to ensure that the context sufficiently defines the set to prevent ambiguity. Common alternatives include "a unique set" or "a unified set", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique set

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and individuality of the set.

a lone set

Highlights the solitary nature of the set, suggesting it is the only one.

a solitary set

Similar to "a lone set", it focuses on the isolated existence of the set.

a one-off set

Indicates the set is created or available only once.

a unified set

Highlights the integration or combination of elements within the set.

a consolidated set

Suggests the set has been brought together or merged from different sources.

a homogeneous set

Implies the set consists of elements that are similar in nature.

a straightforward set

Indicates the set is easy to understand or use.

a standardized set

Emphasizes that the set follows a defined standard or norm.

a distinctive set

Highlights unique aspects of the set, but not necessarily the quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single set" to describe a collection of items that are considered as one unit, such as "a single set of rules", "a single set of data", or "a single set of tools".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a single set"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a unique set", "a lone set", or "a unified set".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a single set of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "a single set of" is followed by the noun that constitutes the collection, for example, "a single set of guidelines".

What does "a single set" imply about the items within the set?

"A single set" primarily indicates that the items are considered a distinct, unified group. It does not necessarily imply anything about the items' individual characteristics or their relationships within the set.