in a single step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a single step" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to express the idea that something can be done quickly and easily, without any extra work. For example: "You can finish this task in a single step by following the instructions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some take it in a single step.

The New York Times

No metabolic process occurs in a single step.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now it, too, is advancing several decades in a single step.

The Economist

He thinks he can manufacture Prozac in a single step with little waste.

The Economist

That would be enough to handle every pixel coming in from the average video camera in a single step.

The Economist

Our method is easy to perform in a single step.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Curved profiles cannot be cut in a single step.

Mechatronics

Moving from bench to bench, academic to industrial, can be done in a single step.

Science Magazine

Next, inspect what happens in a single step in the algorithm.

SEP

In the second stage, a crack detection and classification method is presented in a single step.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

In principle, they are executed simultaneously in a single step based on the higher clock.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a single step" to emphasize efficiency or simplicity when describing a process or action. For example, "The software update can be installed in a single step, making it user-friendly."

Common error

Avoid using "in a single step" when describing highly complex processes that inherently involve multiple stages, even if those stages are automated or hidden from the user. This can oversimplify the process and mislead the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a single step" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate how something is done. Ludwig examples show this phrase describing processes, reactions, or actions that are completed efficiently and directly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a single step" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe efficient processes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse fields. Predominantly found in scientific and news media, the phrase highlights simplicity and speed. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in complex contexts. Alternatives like "all at once" or "immediately" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all at once

Emphasizes simultaneity and immediacy.

in one go

Highlights the continuous nature of the action.

at one stroke

Suggests a decisive and immediate action.

in one fell swoop

Implies a comprehensive and rapid action.

straightaway

Highlights the lack of delay.

immediately

Focuses on the promptness of the action.

instantaneously

Emphasizes the speed and lack of delay.

directly

Indicates no intermediaries or intermediate steps.

without delay

Focuses on the absence of any waiting period.

in a jiffy

Suggests a quick and easy process.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a single step" to describe a process that is completed quickly and efficiently. For example, "The problem was resolved "in a single step" by restarting the system."

What are some alternatives to "in a single step"?

Some alternatives to "in a single step" include "all at once", "in one go", or "immediately". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "completed in a single step" or "completed with a single step"?

"Completed in a single step" is the more common and grammatically correct phrasing. "Completed with a single step" is less idiomatic.

What is the difference between "in a single step" and "at once"?

"In a single step" emphasizes the efficiency and directness of an action, while "at once" emphasizes simultaneity. Using "in a single step" suggests streamlining; "at once" means everything happens together.