a single situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single situation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific occurrence or circumstance. For example: "He found himself in a single situation that seemed impossible to escape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

I don't recall a single situation when he asked me to step outside when he got a phone call.

The New Yorker

"I don't think they can point to a single situation where we have initiated confrontation," he said.

The New York Times

He does not undertake to tell a story but to deal with a situation, a single situation.

The New Yorker

On a psychological trip from latent self to manifest self: A study on multiple selves in a single situation, Japanese Journal of Adminstrative Sciences.

Cornell University

"I am very sorry that my one action in ratifying a dean's decision in a single situation has had a negative impact on the institution," Mr. Lang wrote.

The New York Times

"I never had a single situation where the Chinese said to me or a salesman of mine, 'Cut it out or your business will suffer,"' he told the chamber.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

He added: "We try to look at every single situation on a case-by-case basis and try to do what's best for the football team and best for the franchise.

The New York Times - Sports

Focusing on a single, climactic situation, the ballad leaves the inception of the conflict and the setting to be inferred or sketches them in hurriedly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We build on the works of Osuna (1985) and Suck and Holling (1997) that show how psychological costs build up in a single wait situation.

Journal of Mathematical Psychology

Based on a least square interpolation reconstruction method, a unified form of boundary condition is described to handle a single domain situation while a mixed boundary condition is used for coupled conditions of multi-domain.

Journal of Computational Physics

A little over half of the abuse cases concerned a single abuse situation; 46.3 % of victims had been abused multiple times or by multiple perpetrators.

Crime Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single situation", ensure that the context clearly establishes what makes the situation unique or noteworthy. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a single situation" when discussing recurring events or general trends. This phrase is best reserved for describing specific, isolated incidents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single situation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to a particular instance or set of circumstances. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a single situation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used English phrase that refers to a specific, isolated event or set of circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. It is frequently found in News & Media and Science, with neutral register, making it appropriate for a wide range of communication styles. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the uniqueness of the situation and avoid using it in discussions of general trends. Alternatives such as "an isolated incident" or "a specific case" can be used to add emphasis or specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an isolated incident

Emphasizes the solitary and detached nature of the event.

a unique circumstance

Highlights the distinctiveness and rarity of the situation.

one-off event

Suggests that the situation is unlikely to be repeated.

a specific case

Focuses on the particular and detailed aspects of the situation.

an individual occurrence

Stresses the singularity and factual existence of the situation.

a particular instance

Emphasizes a notable or distinct example of something.

a solitary happening

Highlights the loneliness or infrequency of the event.

an exceptional situation

Suggests that the situation deviates from the norm.

a one-time affair

Implies that the situation happened only once and won't be ongoing.

a discrete event

Focuses on the clear and separate nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single situation" to refer to a specific, isolated occurrence. For example, "In "a crisis situation", clear communication is crucial."

What are some alternatives to "a single situation"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "an isolated incident", "a unique circumstance", or "a specific case" as alternatives to "a single situation".

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

Both "a single situation" and "one situation" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "A single situation" can emphasize the isolated or unique nature of the event more strongly.

What's the difference between "a single situation" and "a general situation"?

"A single situation" refers to a specific occurrence, while "a general situation" refers to a broader, more common state of affairs. They are used in contrasting contexts.