a single tragedy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single tragedy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to one specific tragic event or occurrence, often in discussions about literature, history, or personal experiences. Example: "The novel revolves around a single tragedy that changes the lives of all the characters involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Once again, it is not the sheer size of the catastrophe — millions upon millions forced by war and desperation to leave their homes — but a single tragedy that has clarified the moment.

The New York Times

Never before in Australian history had so many high-profile public servants, dignitaries and diplomats died in a single tragedy.

Wikipedia

The bigger artistic issue, however, is the reduction of this network of stories to a single tragedy.

Los Angeles Times

Major reforms in gun violence prevention do not hinge on a single tragedy, even one so horrific as Sandy Hook, but on the repeated reality of loss -- the true "Connecticut effect".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In light of every single tragedy and experience, rises a heightened awareness and empowerment.

Huffington Post

Trump had turned a single highway tragedy into an object of demographic panic.

The New Yorker

Children from both those countries and Brazil and Mexico too do better in international education tests.In this section The parable of Argentina Corporate upgraders The petrostate of America Fixing forward guidance Canute Cameron ReprintsWhy dwell on a single national tragedy?

The Economist

After surveying the vast area of mud and debris around the mountain, Pedro Joaquin Chamorro, Nicaragua's defence minister, suggested the entire area be sealed off and declared a "national cemetery".The destruction around Casita was the most spectacular single tragedy inflicted by Hurricane Mitch, but it was not the only one.

The Economist

The Royal Navy flagship HMS Bulwark was ordered to Malta to join search-and-rescue operations after the deaths of up to 800 people last weekend in the worst single tragedy in two years in the Mediterranean.

The Guardian

It ordered the Royal Navy flagship, HMS Bulwark, to Malta to join search-and-rescue operations after the death of up to 800 people last weekend in the worst single tragedy in the Mediterranean for two years.

The Guardian

The summit was called at short notice in reaction to the deaths of an estimated 800 migrants off the coast of Libya last weekend, drowned when their fishing trawler capsized in the biggest single tragedy in two years of attempts to flee sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East for southern Europe.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single tragedy", ensure the context clearly establishes that you are referring to one specific event to avoid ambiguity. For instance, provide specific details or context to identify the particular tragedy you're referencing.

Common error

Avoid using "a single tragedy" when discussing a series of related events or a broader pattern of misfortune. Be precise; if multiple tragedies are involved, use a plural form like "multiple tragedies" or rephrase to reflect the collective nature of the events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single tragedy" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It clearly defines a specific, unfortunate event. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

14%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single tragedy" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to emphasize one particular unfortunate event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its usage is prevalent in News & Media, Wiki and Academic contexts. While semantically related phrases like ""one tragedy"" or ""a unique tragedy"" offer slight variations in emphasis, the core meaning remains consistent. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the specific event to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one tragedy

Simplifies the phrase by removing "single", maintaining the same meaning with slightly less emphasis.

a unique tragedy

Emphasizes the distinct and unparalleled nature of the tragic event.

a singular tragedy

Highlights the distinct and remarkable nature of the tragic event.

an isolated tragedy

Highlights the event's separation from other related incidents.

an individual tragedy

Focuses on the personal and specific nature of the tragic event.

a distinct tragedy

Emphasizes the clear and recognizable nature of the tragic event.

a solitary tragedy

Stresses the loneliness and singularity of the event.

a lone tragedy

Similar to "solitary", emphasizing the lack of connection to other events.

an exceptional tragedy

Highlights the rarity and unusual nature of the tragic event.

a particular tragedy

Specifies the focus on a specific and noteworthy tragic event.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single tragedy" to highlight one specific unfortunate event, such as, "The community rallied together after "a single tragedy" struck the small town".

What can I say instead of "a single tragedy"?

Alternatives include "one tragedy", "a unique tragedy", or "an isolated tragedy", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a single tragedies"?

No, "a single tragedies" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "a single tragedy" for one event or "single tragedies" if referring to multiple events of the same type, but isolated.

What's the difference between "a single tragedy" and "multiple tragedies"?

"A single tragedy" refers to one specific tragic event, while "multiple tragedies" indicates that there are several separate tragic events. They differ in the number of events they describe.