exactly one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly one" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that there is a singular and precise quantity of something. Example: "The teacher instructed the students to choose exactly one book from the library for their research project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Exactly one edge.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Exactly one: Jan Morris.

The Guardian - Travel

Exactly one behavior is correct.

University of California, Berkeley

It's exactly one molecule: C14H26O.

The New York Times - Style

It began exactly one hundred years ago.

Stanford University

We were able to fabricate structures with exactly one dislocation.

Physica E: Low-dimensional Systems and Nanostructures

Pouha spent exactly one night devastated.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

His 20th deposit was exactly one million dollars.

The New York Times

He abandoned it exactly one summer ago.

The Guardian

The case erupted almost exactly one year ago.

Los Angeles Times

Exactly one year ago, he came out.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In contracts or legal documents, using "exactly one" can prevent disputes over quantity or interpretation. Ensure the context clearly supports this level of precision.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly one" in casual conversation where a simpler "one" or "a single" suffices. Overusing it can sound overly formal or stilted in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly one" functions as a quantifier, specifying a precise quantity of a noun. It is used to denote a singular instance with no room for ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exactly one" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a quantifier to denote a singular instance with precision. According to Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted and commonly used across various contexts, especially in scientific, academic, and news-related domains. While its precise nature makes it suitable for formal writing, overuse in informal settings can sound stilted. Alternatives like "just one" or "a single" may be more appropriate in casual conversation. Remember to use "exactly one" when precision is key and ambiguity must be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely one

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of the quantity being specified.

just one

Offers a simpler and more direct way to indicate a single instance.

a single

Highlights the singularity of the item, useful when emphasizing uniqueness.

one and only

Conveys that there is no other option and only one possibility exists.

solely one

Emphasizes that there is only one, excluding all others.

uniquely one

Indicates that something is distinctly and singularly one of a kind.

exclusively one

Highlights that something is restricted to only one specific instance.

particularly one

Indicates a specific emphasis on one distinct element within a larger set.

specifically one

Focuses on indicating one item out of many and is not generic.

especially one

Similar to 'specifically one', this term means that there is an intended focus on a particular item.

FAQs

How do I use "exactly one" in a sentence?

Use "exactly one" to specify a singular, precise quantity. For example: "The instructions require exactly one tablespoon of sugar." It ensures there is no ambiguity about the amount needed.

What's the difference between "exactly one" and "only one"?

"Exactly one" emphasizes precision and strict adherence to a singular quantity, while "only one" highlights the exclusivity and limitation to a single instance. They are often interchangeable, but "exactly one" is more formal. You can use alternatives like "just one" in more casual contexts.

What can I say instead of "exactly one"?

Alternatives include "precisely one", "a single", or "just one". The choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it ever incorrect to use "exactly one"?

While grammatically correct, using "exactly one" may sound overly formal in casual conversation. In such contexts, simpler alternatives like "one" or "a single" might be more appropriate. Using alternatives may depend on the context in which you are writing or speaking.