a single sitting

USAGE SUMMARY

"a single sitting" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe completing something in one continuous session without breaks. Example: "He read the entire book in a single sitting." Alternative expressions include "one go" and "one session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It challenges patrons to drink five liters of beer in a single sitting.

The New York Times

Mr. Onyango, the chief, is known to drink several liters of beer in a single sitting.

The New York Times

Bai's superb book provokes many questions, and I gulped it down in a single sitting.

The New Yorker

Do not expect to finish the sandwich in a single sitting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The story has just four central characters and can be inhaled in a single sitting.

The New York Times - Books

Here, the auxiliary works were dropped, and the opera was played at a single sitting.

The New York Times - Arts

I like you.

The New Yorker

The pieces fare best when sampled individually; it's a lot of slowness to handle in a single sitting.

The New York Times

Watching it was akin to trying to read an enormous anthology of nonsense poetry at a single sitting.

The New York Times - Arts

Upon hearing the news, Welty went to her desk and wrote a story in a single sitting.

The New Yorker

Over the next hundred years we shall see several million men killing each other at a single sitting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a single sitting" to emphasize the completion of an activity without breaks, adding a sense of thoroughness or intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "a single sitting" in highly formal documents where more precise language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "in one session" or "continuously" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single sitting" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs by specifying the time frame in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a single sitting" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe completing something in one continuous, uninterrupted session. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While frequently used in news and media, it also appears in academic and scientific writing. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "in one session" or "continuously" may be more appropriate. Overall, "a single sitting" effectively emphasizes thoroughness and continuity, making it a useful addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a continuous session

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the session.

in one session

Focuses on the session aspect, emphasizing the time frame rather than the physical act.

at one go

Implies doing something completely and without interruption.

in one stretch

Highlights the continuous nature of the activity without breaks.

non-stop

Simple, direct way to say without stopping.

without interruption

Directly states the lack of breaks during the activity.

in a marathon session

Implies a long and intense session.

in quick succession

Highlights that actions or events are rapidly following each other.

in one attempt

Stresses that something is achieved with only one try.

at once

Emphasizes that something is being done immediately and all together.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single sitting" to describe consuming, completing, or experiencing something in one continuous, uninterrupted period. For instance, "I read the entire novel in "a single sitting"" or "He drank five liters of beer in "a single sitting"".

What's a more formal alternative to "a single sitting"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "in one session", "continuously", or "without interruption" instead of "a single sitting". These alternatives offer a more professional tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "in a single sitting"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "in "a single sitting"". The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely accepted.

When is it appropriate to use "a single sitting"?

"A single sitting" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the continuous, uninterrupted nature of an activity, such as reading a book, eating a meal, or completing a task. It's suitable for both informal and many formal contexts.