in one motion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in one motion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something was done quickly, all at once, or with no interruption. For example, "He opened the jar in one motion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The three-time Gold Glove shortstop caught it, whirled and, in one motion, swiped a backhanded tag on Santangelo.

The New York Times - Sports

Pipe 4 thick rings approximately on to the circles (piping the rings in one motion).

BBC

It loaded easily, from the top, in one motion.

The New York Times

In one motion she drained the contents of her glass.

The New York Times - Magazine

In one motion, the machine ripped the tree out of the ground.

The New York Times

He insisted, in one motion, that the F.B.I. "will kill Zacarias Moussaoui to silence him".

The New Yorker

Moments later, Camby collected a missed jumper by Ward and slammed it through in one motion.

The New York Times - Sports

Dragging down from the top with two fingers still opens up the full quick settings pane in one motion.

The Guardian - Tech

They transported him, in one motion, from the margin of the league to the forefront of it.

The Guardian - Sport

Cameron came up in one motion, fired to second and watched shortstop Kazuo Matsui double up Pratt at first.

The New York Times - Sports

"I tried to do it all in one motion, to get rid of it quick," Hampton said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in one motion" to vividly describe actions that are performed quickly and efficiently, enhancing the reader's understanding of the sequence of events.

Common error

Don't use "in one motion" to describe states or conditions; it is best suited for dynamic actions and transitions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in one motion" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed. It provides detail about the manner of execution, emphasizing the seamlessness and lack of interruption, Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Sports

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in one motion" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe actions performed seamlessly and without interruption. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase emphasizes efficiency and fluidity. Alternatives like "with a single movement" or "in a fluid motion" can offer nuanced variations. When using "in one motion", ensure it describes dynamic actions rather than static states to avoid misuse. The high frequency and clear communicative purpose of "in one motion" make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a single movement

Focuses on the singularity of the movement, similar to "in one motion".

in one smooth action

Highlights both the unity and the lack of disruption in the action.

in a continuous movement

Stresses the uninterrupted flow of an action.

in a fluid motion

Emphasizes the smoothness and continuity of the action.

in one go

Implies completing something from start to finish without interruption.

with one swift gesture

Focuses on speed and purposefulness in a single action.

without pausing

Focuses on the continuous nature of the action, implying no stops.

in a seamless manner

Underlines the absence of any visible transition or break during the process.

all at once

Emphasizes the simultaneity of the components of the action.

in a single step

Highlights efficiency and directness, reducing an action to its most essential form.

FAQs

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

You can use "in one motion" to describe an action that is performed seamlessly and without interruption, such as "She flipped the pancake "in one motion"."

What are some alternatives to "in one motion"?

Alternatives include "with a single movement", "in a fluid motion", or "in one smooth action", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "in one motion" formal or informal?

"In one motion" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it's commonly found in news and descriptive contexts.

What does "in one motion" emphasize?

"In one motion" emphasizes the efficiency, speed, and continuity of an action, highlighting that it's completed without any pause or break.