in a single gulp

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a single gulp" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe consuming something quickly and in one swallow. This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe completing a task or overcoming an obstacle in a short amount of time or with one swift action. Example: The young man downed the entire glass of water in a single gulp, quenching his thirst in an instant. Example: She finished the entire book in a single gulp, unable to put it down until the very end. Example: The team tackled the project in a single gulp, working tirelessly to complete it ahead of schedule.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

These poor dolts will disappear in a single gulp.

Independent

But one reads Stephen King novels in a single gulp.

The New York Times

He asked for a glass of water and drank it in a single gulp.

The New Yorker

It is also an extraordinarily atmospheric and compulsively readable tale, to be devoured in a single gulp.

The Guardian - Books

For example, the chip can understand 144 new audiovisual software instructions -- in fact, it can process several of them in a single gulp.

The New York Times - Tech

She stole a look around, gave Steve a vacant smile, picked up my drink, and downed it in a single gulp.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

3. Swallow the juice and fish oil with a single gulp, avoiding contact with the lips (where the fish oil can be tasted).

Arthritis Research and Therapy

As decorum requires, Martin nodded politely at our host and downed the bowl's contents in a single burbling gulp.

The New York Times - Magazine

We also hear from Don St. Pierre, Jr., the chief executive of A.S.C. Fine Wines, who explains why Chinese consumers sometimes prefer to down their glasses in a single enthusiastic gulp.

The New Yorker

Or what, take career training, cosmetology, auto mechanics, for Christ's sake?" Now, tipping back her glass and downing the wine in a single belligerent gulp, she announced, "I'm thirty-eight years old and I'm putting my foot down.

The New Yorker

While mere mortals wallow in a sea of emotionalism, the machine is busy digesting vast oceans of information in a single all-encompassing gulp".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a single gulp" to vividly describe consuming something rapidly, whether literally or metaphorically. It adds emphasis to the speed and completeness of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "in a single gulp" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "at once" or "in one go" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a single gulp" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. It indicates that something is consumed or completed quickly and completely. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in a single gulp" is a correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that functions as an adverbial phrase emphasizing the speed and completeness of an action. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources and holds a neutral register. While synonyms like "at one go" or "in one swallow" can provide variety, using "in a single gulp" effectively can add vividness to your writing. Remember not to overuse it to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in one swallow

Focuses on the act of swallowing something completely and quickly, mirroring the literal sense of "in a single gulp".

in one draught

Specifically refers to drinking something in one continuous swallow, akin to consuming something "in a single gulp".

at one go

Emphasizes doing something in one attempt or session, similar to completing something "in a single gulp".

in one go

Describes completing a task or consuming something without stopping, much like doing something "in a single gulp".

at one sitting

Highlights completing an activity, such as reading or eating, in a single session without interruption, similar to the idea of doing something "in a single gulp".

all at once

Emphasizes that everything happens simultaneously or is taken together, similar to the comprehensive nature of "in a single gulp".

in quick succession

Suggests a series of actions happening rapidly one after another, comparable to doing something "in a single gulp".

in a flash

Focuses on the extreme speed at which something occurs, akin to the instantaneous nature of consuming something "in a single gulp".

without hesitation

Highlights the immediate and decisive nature of an action, similar to the quickness implied by "in a single gulp".

in a trice

Indicates that something happens very quickly, much like the swiftness implied by "in a single gulp".

FAQs

How can I use "in a single gulp" in a sentence?

You can use "in a single gulp" to describe rapidly consuming something, like "He drank the juice "in a single gulp"". It can also metaphorically describe completing a task quickly.

What phrases are similar to "in a single gulp"?

Similar phrases include "at one go", "in one swallow", or "all at once". These alternatives can add variety to your writing while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "in a single gulp" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "in a single gulp" may be more suitable for informal or descriptive writing. For formal contexts, consider alternatives that convey the same meaning with a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "in a single gulp" and "in one gulp"?

Both phrases are essentially interchangeable and convey the same meaning. The inclusion of "single" simply emphasizes the completeness and rapidity of the action.