child of one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "child of one" is not a standard expression in written English and may be unclear without context.
It could be used in a poetic or metaphorical sense to refer to someone who is the offspring of a single parent or entity. Example: "In the story, the protagonist is a child of one, destined to carry on the legacy of their solitary parent."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Unless you have breeding that will gain entry into Debrett's or are the child of one of Lagerfeld's inner circle, jog on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's a resident ghost here, too: Eleanor, who is either the pining fiancée of a runaway prospector or the child of one of the hotel's previous owners, depending on whom you ask.

The New York Times - Travel

The question of what it was like to be the child of one of the 20th century's most influential psychotherapists has been playing on Adrian's mind of late.

The Guardian - Books

The detail to the right (The Van Moerkerken Family by Gerard ter Borch, c. 1653-54) depicts a child of one or two years whose parents have slapped a rather silly hat on him, most probably to advertise his masculinity in spite of his dress, just as the baby girls in Heelarious heels ads often accessorize with a feminine flower band on their indeterminate-sexed bald heads.

Huffington Post

One in every four Americans is either an immigrant or the child of one.

The New York Times

And the child of one such marriage is president of the United States.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"We are all children of one motherland," he said sternly.

The New Yorker

Delcy and Jorge are the children of one of the Socialist League's founders, Jorge Antonio Rodríguez.

The New Yorker

Barbara believes that "there are neither good men nor scoundrels: there are just children of one Father".

The New Yorker

What happiness it was to have children of one's own, and with them, permission to return to that enchanted landscape.

The New York Times - Books

"We are all children of one father,"he added, "let us embrace one another, the millions of us".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "child of one", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to a single parent or a single origin. Consider rephrasing for clarity if the meaning is ambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "child of one" in contexts where the reader might misinterpret it as a child aged one year. If age is relevant, explicitly state "a one-year-old child" or "a child who is one year old" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "child of one" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object within a sentence. As indicated by Ludwig, it is not a standard expression, so its function is closely tied to the specific context of use. Examples show it describing a relationship or origin.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "child of one" is an uncommon expression that, while grammatically acceptable, may cause confusion due to its non-standard usage. As Ludwig highlights, it is not a common phrase. Analysis of various sources reveals that it appears mainly in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. When using "child of one", ensure clarity by explicitly indicating the single parent or origin and consider more common phrases such as "child of a single parent" or "offspring of one parent" to avoid ambiguity. It is crucial to prevent misinterpretation, especially in contexts where age could be a factor. In summary, while "child of one" is not inherently wrong, strategic use and awareness of its uncommon nature are essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

child of a single parent

More common variation using the article "a" before "single".

offspring of one parent

Replaces "child" with the more formal "offspring" and specifies the singular parent.

issue of a single parent

Uses "issue" as a formal term for offspring, emphasizing the lineage from one parent.

progeny of a sole parent

Replaces "child" with "progeny", highlighting ancestry and using "sole" for emphasis.

descendant of one parent

Focuses on the line of descent from a single parent.

scion of one parent

Employs "scion" to denote a descendant, often in a noble or important family, from a single parent.

son or daughter of one parent

Specifies the gender options for the child of one parent.

dependent of one parent

Highlights the financial or social reliance on a single parent.

ward of a single parent

Emphasizes the legal or protective aspect of a child under the care of a single parent.

charge of one parent

Focuses on the responsibility and care provided by a single parent.

FAQs

What does the phrase "child of one" mean?

The phrase "child of one" typically refers to someone who is the offspring of a single entity, often used in a metaphorical or poetic sense. In most contexts, using "child of a single parent" is clearer.

Is "child of one" grammatically correct?

While grammatically sound, "child of one" is not a standard English phrase. Its unusual structure can lead to confusion. Consider more common alternatives for improved clarity.

How can I use "child of one" in a sentence?

Use "child of one" when you want to emphasize the single origin or parentage of someone or something. For instance, "She is the child of one, carrying the legacy of her family." However, be mindful of potential ambiguity.

What are some alternatives to "child of one"?

Consider using phrases like "offspring of a single parent", "issue of one parent", or simply "child of a single parent" for increased clarity and common usage.