in one go

USAGE SUMMARY

"in one go" is correct and usable in written english.
It is an idiom that is used to indicate something that was done quickly, or in a single attempt. For example, "I finished the whole project in one go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He prefers to paint in one go, wet on wet.

Vice

In one go?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You're running it in one go?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He creates a house, in one go.

The Guardian - Tech

But Elif's Italian journey can be read in one go.

Stanford University

which will insert all the 50 tuples in one go.

Stanford University

74 mins: Wenger makes five changes in one go.

The Guardian - Sport

We can't manage it all in one go.

The Guardian

Big decisions are rarely made in one go.

The Guardian

The miner's strikes and poll tax in one go.

The Guardian - Books

Under no circumstance should it be read in one go.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in one go" to emphasize efficiency or the completion of an action without interruption. It adds a sense of immediacy and thoroughness.

Common error

While "in one go" is widely understood, it can sound informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider more formal alternatives like "simultaneously" or "in a single attempt" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in one go" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate how an action is performed. It specifies that the action is completed in a single, uninterrupted effort. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in one go" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe completing an action in a single, uninterrupted effort, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it conveys efficiency and thoroughness. While generally neutral, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing. Alternatives include "all at once" or "in one fell swoop", depending on the desired nuance. Remember to consider your audience and the formality of the setting when deciding whether to use "in one go".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all at once

This alternative emphasizes the simultaneous nature of the action.

in one fell swoop

This phrase suggests a decisive and comprehensive action, often with a sense of finality.

at one stroke

This implies a single, efficient action that achieves a significant result.

in a single attempt

This highlights the lack of multiple tries or repetitions.

in one sitting

This is often used for activities like reading or eating, indicating completion without breaks.

in one step

Implies completing a task with minimal stages or processes.

straightaway

This adverb indicates immediacy and lack of delay.

at a stretch

Indicates doing something continuously without stopping.

without stopping

This alternative directly states the absence of interruption.

in a flash

This emphasizes the speed and quickness of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "in one go" in a sentence?

You can use "in one go" to describe completing something without stopping, such as "I read the entire book "in one go"" or "She paid off her debt "in one go"".

What are some alternatives to "in one go"?

Alternatives include "all at once", "in one fell swoop", or "at one stroke", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "in one go" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "in one go" leans towards informal usage. For formal contexts, consider more sophisticated alternatives such as "simultaneously" or "in a single attempt".

What's the difference between "in one go" and "at one time"?

"In one go" emphasizes doing something continuously, whereas "at one time" simply means 'simultaneously' or 'formerly', without necessarily implying a continuous action.