at a single sitting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a single sitting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe completing something in one continuous session without breaks. Example: "I managed to read the entire book at a single sitting, captivated by the story from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Arts

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

The New Yorker

There are only so many ways you can cook a cabbage, and only so much one diner can digest at a single sitting.

The Guardian - Opinion

With 826 bedrooms and dining facilities for 5,000 guests – including southern China's biggest banquet hall – there is almost enough space to accommodate and feed all of the original village residents at a single sitting.

The Guardian

"The Idea of Justice" is a feast, though perhaps not one to be consumed at a single sitting.Virtually every claim Mr Sen makes will be objected to by someone.

The Economist

Mayor Mike wants to fine both eater and server $1 for each additional calorie over 600 that's consumed at a single sitting.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

You're twice as likely as people who do not have a gun at home to down five or more drinks in a single sitting.

Los Angeles Times

You have to serve them immediately — these don't keep well at all — but you'll have no trouble polishing off the lot in a single sitting.

The New York Times - Food

I can only eat about ten ravioli at a time, but I can easily pack away about forty varenyky in a single sitting.

The New Yorker

I was a sophomore at Howard University, and I happened upon a copy of his 1964 play "Dutchman," which I read in a single sitting.

The New Yorker

All of the above have grown skilled at holding their hands aloft for long periods, letting Ms. Wilson wind all the wool she needed in a single sitting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a single sitting" to emphasize the uninterrupted nature of an activity, such as reading a book or eating a meal. It suggests a dedicated and focused approach to the task.

Common error

While "at a single sitting" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "in one session" or "without interruption" in academic or professional writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a single sitting" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the time frame in which an action is completed. It emphasizes the continuous and uninterrupted nature of the activity, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a single sitting" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to emphasize the uninterrupted completion of an activity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, signifying its broad applicability. While versatile, consider the formality of your writing and choose alternatives like "in one session" or "without interruption" in more formal settings. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in diverse scenarios, from reading books to medical procedures, reinforcing its practical relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in one sitting

Similar to the original phrase, but without the added 'single'.

in one go

Focuses on the action being completed without interruption.

in one session

Highlights the continuous nature of the activity within a defined time.

straight through

Implies completing something from beginning to end without stopping.

without a break

Emphasizes the absence of interruptions during the activity.

without interruption

Highlights the absence of disturbances during the activity.

non-stop

Highlights the continuous nature of the activity, but in a more informal way.

continuously

Highlights that something happens over a period of time without stopping.

in rapid succession

Emphasizes the speed and continuity of events or actions.

at once

Emphasizes that something happens immediately, one time.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a single sitting" to describe completing an activity in one continuous period. For example, "I read the entire novel "at a single sitting"."

What are some alternatives to "at a single sitting"?

Alternatives include "in one go", "in one session", or "without a break" depending on the context.

Is it more common to say "in one sitting" or "at a single sitting"?

"In one sitting" is slightly more common, but "at a single sitting" is also widely used and grammatically correct. They are largely interchangeable.

What's the difference between "at a single sitting" and "over several sittings"?

"At a single sitting" means completing something in one continuous session, while "over several sittings" implies breaking the activity into multiple sessions or periods.