by one thing

USAGE SUMMARY

'by one thing' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is commonly used to refer to a single factor which leads to some result. For example: We were able to finish the project on time, by one thing – everyone's hard work and dedication.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But I didn't realize that feeling so confident and feeling so great about myself and then it just be completely shattered by one thing.

Huffington Post

It makes no sense to cut spending on everything when long-term deficits are driven by one thing -- our broken health care system.

Huffington Post

I'm intrigued by one thing that I've heard: that older people still look back on Soviet times as a golden age.

The Guardian - Travel

Several voters interviewed this week said that the two conventions seemed programmed, almost too smooth, but Mr. Gentry was pricked by one thing about the Republican convention.

The New York Times

Mr. Roth said he was heartened by one thing.

The New York Times

At least I was tickled by one thing, I guess.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Over the last year, that establishment has been united by one thing: opposition to Donald Trump.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

We are united by one thing- the Spirit of Jesus- and everything else is peripheral.

Huffington Post

Having run the program millions of times, they found that the evolution of monogamy in primates was preceded by one thing only: infanticide by males.

The Guardian

One of her mentors, Dolores Huerta, a founder of the United Farm Workers, said she was mystified by one thing about Ms. Solis.

The New York Times

DESPITE their people's dour and thrifty reputation, Catalan politicians are excited by one thing autonomy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by one thing" to clearly identify the primary or sole cause of a situation or outcome. This phrasing enhances clarity and emphasizes the singular nature of the influential factor.

Common error

Avoid using "by one thing" if multiple factors significantly contribute to the outcome. Consider using phrases like "primarily due to" or "largely influenced by" to acknowledge other contributing elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by one thing" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or clause to indicate the primary or sole cause, reason, or determinant of an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by one thing" is a grammatically sound and widely used prepositional phrase that serves to highlight a single, primary factor influencing an outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it versatile for various communicative purposes. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects a singular cause; otherwise, consider using alternative phrases that acknowledge multiple contributing elements. This analysis offers a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively and accurately use "by one thing" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

due to a single factor

Replaces "by one thing" with a more formal expression emphasizing a single cause.

attributable to one cause

Highlights that the result is definitively caused by a specific factor.

determined by a sole aspect

Emphasizes the aspect as a deciding factor rather than a general influence.

dependent on just one item

Focuses on the reliance on a singular element.

resulting from a unique element

Stresses that the element is unique and the origin of the result.

caused by one particular item

Highlights the specified item is the singular factor.

hinges on one specific detail

Conveys that a single detail is crucial and decisive.

stems from a solitary reason

Implies that the reason is the origin and the only influencing factor.

driven by a singular force

Suggests a strong and active singular influence.

a product of one influence

Highlights the output is solely a result of an influence.

FAQs

How can I use "by one thing" in a sentence?

Use "by one thing" to indicate that a specific outcome or situation is determined or caused by a single, primary factor. For example, "The project's success was determined "by one thing": consistent teamwork".

What can I say instead of "by one thing"?

You can use alternatives like "due to a single factor", "attributable to one cause", or "determined by a sole aspect" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "determined by one thing" or "determined by many things"?

"Determined by one thing" is correct when a single factor is the primary cause. If multiple factors are involved, "determined by many things" or "influenced by several factors" would be more accurate.

What's the difference between "by one thing" and "because of one thing"?

While both phrases indicate causality, ""by one thing"" is often used to emphasize determination or definition, whereas "because of one thing" focuses more on the reason or cause of something.