having only one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having only one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a singular item or instance in a context where exclusivity or limitation is being emphasized. Example: "In this competition, having only one entry is allowed per participant."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Currently, patients range from having only one cPHA on file (20,300) to ten on file (42).

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

The majority of participants reported having only one income earner to support an entire family of 4.89 individuals on average.

BMC Women's Health

"I like having only one room," she said.

The New York Times

"What leads to radicalism is having only one culture.

The Guardian

Having only one leg, Mr. Khan was easy to overpower, though he screamed.

The New York Times

The opera-recording collector who is having only one should probably look elsewhere.

The New York Times

As the novel gathers momentum, having only one identity becomes like having no identity at all.

The Guardian - Books

Regime 2 (REG2) was defined as having only one of these regulations in place (R14 = 1).

Health Economics Review

Available studies considered the MOLP problems with each objective function having only one utility function.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

The mathematics is presented for processes having only one stage, having two stages and having three or more stages.

Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems

The eastern spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii) is listed as endangered in Connecticut, having only one viable population in the state.

Applied Geography

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having only one" to clearly emphasize the exclusivity or limitation of a single item or instance, especially when contrasting it with multiple possibilities or options. This highlights the importance or uniqueness of the single entity.

Common error

Avoid using "having only one" when simply stating a quantity. If the exclusivity isn't a key point, a simpler phrase like "having one" might be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The project is limited by having only one developer", consider "The project is limited because it has one developer."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having only one" functions primarily as a modifier, often within a clause or sentence to specify a quantity or condition. It emphasizes a limitation or exclusivity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having only one" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the singularity or exclusivity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it effectively conveys a sense of limitation or uniqueness. When writing, use "having only one" to highlight that there is no more than one and this is significant, but be mindful that using simpler alternatives like "having one" or "just one" could be more appropriate in some contexts. Remember to differentiate this phrase from other alternatives, such as "possessing a single", for subtle nuances in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possessing a single

This alternative focuses on ownership or attribute with emphasis on singleness.

with just one

Highlights the limitation to one, emphasizing simplicity or restriction.

just a single

Similar to "with just one", but with more emphasis on singularity.

limited to one

Implies a constraint or restriction to a single instance.

exclusively one

Focuses on uniqueness, indicating nothing else exists or is allowed.

solely one

Emphasizes that there are no other options or instances.

merely one

Underlines the small quantity, possibly implying insignificance.

confined to one

Shows restriction or limitation, often used in a formal context.

a solitary

Stresses the isolation or uniqueness of a single item.

one and only

Highlights exclusivity and uniqueness, emphasizing it is irreplaceable.

FAQs

How can I use "having only one" in a sentence?

Use "having only one" to emphasize a single instance or item, particularly when contrasting it with the possibility of multiple. For example: "The company is facing challenges due to "having only one" supplier".

What are some alternatives to "having only one"?

Alternatives include phrases like "possessing a single", "with just one", or "limited to one", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "only one" after "having"?

While "having one" can sometimes suffice, "having only one" emphasizes exclusivity or a limiting factor. The redundancy can strengthen the intended meaning in specific contexts where this emphasis is important.

When is it better to use "just one" instead of "having only one"?

Use "just one" when you want to state a quantity simply, without necessarily emphasizing a limitation or exclusivity. "Having only one" is more appropriate when you want to highlight that there is no more than one, and this is significant.