any single

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "any single" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the individuality or uniqueness of one item among many. Example: "You can choose any single book from the shelf to take home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Not any single person".

The New York Times - Sports

I didn't have any single friends.

The New York Times

"Nobody can really pinpoint any single cause.

The New York Times - Sports

Any single tube flute was called di.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I can't accept any single creation myth.

The Guardian - Books

I wasn't in any single place.

The New Yorker

Admission to any single lecture is $30.

The New York Times

"There aren't any single Uighur women here.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Do you know any single-parent families?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Let f : X → X be any single-valued mapping.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

This is a great addition to any single-malt library.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "any single" to clearly emphasize that only one item, and not a combination, is being considered. For example, "Do not rely on any single data point; consider the overall trend."

Common error

Avoid using "any single" when the meaning is already clear from the context. For instance, instead of saying "Is there any single reason?", simply ask, "Is there a single reason?" or "Is there any reason?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "any single" functions as a determiner and adjective combination. It specifies that only one item is being considered, emphasizing its individual nature from a larger group. Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "any single" functions as a determiner and adjective, used to emphasize the individuality of one item or entity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and commonly employed across diverse fields like News & Media and Science. While alternatives such as "any individual" or "a single" exist, "any single" provides a distinct emphasis. When writing, ensure the phrase isn't redundant and adds value by stressing the 'one-ness' being considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

any one

Replaces "single" with "one", keeping the meaning intact.

a single

Omits 'any' for a slightly less emphatic version.

any individual

Emphasizes the separateness and individuality of one element among many.

any solitary

Highlights the isolated nature of a single item, suggesting a lack of association.

any unique

Focuses on the distinctiveness and one-of-a-kind characteristic of a single entity.

any lone

Stresses the aloneness and lack of companionship of a single item.

any isolated

Highlights the separation and detachment of a single entity from others.

any particular

Indicates a specific and distinct item, chosen from a larger group.

any specific

Similar to 'any particular', but places more emphasis on the exactness of the selection.

just one

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the numerical aspect of singularity.

FAQs

How to use "any single" in a sentence?

"Any single" is used to emphasize that you're referring to one item or entity out of a group, highlighting its individuality. For example, "Preventing election interference is bigger than "any single organization"."

What can I say instead of "any single"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "any single" with alternatives like "any individual", "any particular", or "a single".

Which is correct, "any single reason" or "a single reason"?

Both "any single reason" and "a single reason" are grammatically correct, but "a single reason" is often preferred for its conciseness. "Any single reason" adds extra emphasis.

What's the difference between "any single" and "every single"?

"Any single" refers to one item without specifying which one, while "every single" refers to all items in a group, emphasizing each one individually. For example, "Any single person can make a difference" versus "Every single person deserves respect."