as a single

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a single" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something being considered or treated as one unit or entity. Example: "The team worked together as a single unit to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ms. Quinn filed as a single taxpayer.

The New York Times

It treats you as a single person.

The New York Times

As a single parent, Godelieva was overwhelmed.

The New Yorker

As a single person?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are meant as a single sculpture.

The Guardian

As a single, it's different for everyone.

The New Yorker

As a single mum safety is important too.

The Guardian - Travel

She reared three daughters as a single parent.

The New York Times - Arts

"It all works together as a single entity".

The Guardian

Life as a single sex writer is fun.

The Guardian

Could she have done her job as a single parent?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve clarity, replace "as a single" with stronger alternatives such as "unified" or "integrated" when describing processes or systems.

Common error

Avoid using "as a single" when describing multiple entities that are individually distinct. Instead of saying "The cats and dogs acted as a single group", specify how they interact cohesively, such as "The cats and dogs cooperated to protect the house."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a single" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It indicates that something is being considered or is acting as one indivisible unit. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

17%

Huffington Post

16%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

The Guardian

6%

The New York Times

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a single" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote unity, individuality, or distinctness. It is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various domains, from news and media to scientific literature. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common usage. While alternatives like "individually" or "as one unit" exist, "as a single" remains a clear and effective way to convey a sense of cohesive entity, though clarity should be kept in mind to prevent misinterpretations in cases where compound subjects are involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an individual

Emphasizes the person or thing as a distinct entity, adding the noun "individual".

as a unique entity

Emphasizes the distinct and unparalleled nature of something.

as one unit

Stresses the unified nature of a group or system.

as a distinct element

Focuses on something as being clearly different and separate from other things.

on its own

Suggests independence and self-sufficiency, with a more colloquial tone.

as a standalone

Suggests the ability to function independently without needing to be part of a larger system.

individually

Focuses on the action being performed by one entity at a time, removing the article and preposition.

as a unified whole

Highlights the completeness and integration of something.

as a solitary

Emphasizes the state of being alone or without company.

in isolation

Highlights the state of being separated or detached from others.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a single" to describe something that functions or is perceived as one unit. For example, "The committee acted as a single entity during the negotiations."

What are some alternatives to "as a single"?

Alternatives include "individually", "as an individual", or "on its own", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "as a single unit" or "as one unit"?

Both "as a single unit" and "as one unit" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. However, "as one unit" may sound more concise and fluid in certain contexts.

How does using "as a single" differ from "as a whole"?

"As a single" emphasizes the indivisibility or unified function of something, while "as a whole" focuses on considering all parts or elements together. For example, "The project was evaluated as a whole" suggests looking at all aspects, whereas "The team functioned as a single unit" highlights their coordinated effort.