at one gulp

USAGE SUMMARY

"at one gulp" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to consume something quickly and in one swallow. Example: The thirsty man drank the entire bottle of water at one gulp.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I the Trinity illustrate, Drinking watered orange pulp – In three sips the Arian frustrate; While he drains his at one gulp!

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The first off ering, consumed in one gulp at the end of a very long spoon, was a sea anemone, a gooey grey thing whose naturally kidneyish, urine tang was helpfully off set by a hint of lemon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now, although the details are still being worked out, the government is dispensing with rescuing one company at a time, and instead is taking on a vast pile of bad debt in one gulp.

The New York Times

They could run at 50km/hr (30mph), and swallow a medium-sized dog in one gulp.

BBC

Mayer recounted an episode during a dinner at St .James's Palace with Prince Philip at which Brin and Page drank a side of fruit juice in one gulp, rather than add it to their souffle, as their hosts had intended.

Huffington Post

At that time the city was supposedly spared when a citizen accepted a dare from the enemy to drink more than three quarts of wine in one gulp; the tankard is featured in the collection of the Imperial City Museum.

Britannica

You could drink in the entire wine country in one gulp.

The New York Times - Travel

Playing this music in one gulp is an intellectually and physically exhausting exercise.

The New York Times - Arts

He ordered a double raki, which he downed in one gulp.

The New Yorker

With that Mrs. Claus downed her martini in one gulp, and headed back to work.

HuffPost

Someone brings him a cup of coffee that he swallows in one gulp.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at one gulp" to vividly describe the immediate and complete consumption of something, particularly when emphasizing the speed or eagerness of the action. For example: "He finished his drink at one gulp because he was thirsty."

Common error

While "at one gulp" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing where a more measured or descriptive phrase might be preferable. Consider alternatives like "quickly" or "immediately" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at one gulp" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates that something is consumed or done quickly and in a single swallow or attempt.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at one gulp" is a grammatically sound and vivid way to describe consuming something rapidly and completely. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally correct and usable in English. While its register is mostly neutral, it appears most frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "quickly" or "immediately". The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to vividly convey the speed and eagerness of an action, making it a valuable tool for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in one swallow

Focuses specifically on the act of swallowing something completely in a single action.

in a single gulp

Emphasizes the singularity of the gulp, similar to the original phrase but with a slight variation in wording.

in one go

Implies completing an action or consumption without stopping.

in one shot

Suggests doing something completely and immediately, often used metaphorically.

all at once

Highlights the simultaneous nature of the action, often implying a sudden or quick occurrence.

in a flash

Emphasizes the speed and immediacy of the action.

in an instant

Highlights the very short time frame in which something happens.

in a jiffy

Indicates that something is done quickly and easily.

without pausing

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of the action, implying continuous execution.

non-stop

Highlights the continuous nature of the activity, without any breaks or pauses.

FAQs

How can I use "at one gulp" in a sentence?

You can use "at one gulp" to describe consuming something quickly and completely, such as: "She drank the juice "at one gulp" after the race."

What are some alternatives to "at one gulp"?

Alternatives include "in one swallow", "in a single gulp", or "in one go". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "at one gulp"?

While grammatically correct, "at one gulp" might sound informal in certain formal contexts. Choose a more sophisticated phrase if the situation calls for it.

What is the difference between "at one gulp" and "quickly"?

"At one gulp" specifies a single, swift action of consuming something, while "quickly" is a broader term that describes the speed of an action in general. You would use "at one gulp" specifically for drinking or eating.