in one piece

USAGE SUMMARY

'in one piece' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to indicate that a particular thing or event has happened without any harm, damage, or disruption. For example: "We made it through the storm without any serious damage; the neighborhood is still standing in one piece."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Travel

Science

Lifestyle

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was about filling in one piece of the canvas".

The Guardian

I'm in one piece".

The New York Times

Nobody was in one piece.

The New Yorker

I believe it is in one piece.

The New York Times

And in one piece, no less?

The New York Times - Sports

First, their yacht stayed in one piece.

The New York Times - Sports

Fleury's new sticks come in one piece.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's still in one piece," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm in one piece," Aldama said.

The Guardian - Sport

I want him home in one piece.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

En bloc resection refers to resection in one-piece [ 14].

BMC Gastroenterology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in one piece" to emphasize that something or someone has survived a potentially damaging situation without being harmed. For example, 'Despite the rough landing, the package arrived in one piece.'

Common error

Avoid using "in one piece" when simply referring to something that is already expected to be whole. For instance, saying 'I prefer my sandwich in one piece' is redundant unless there was a prior expectation of it being cut.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in one piece" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how something is done or in what condition someone or something exists. Ludwig examples confirm its role in indicating safety or integrity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in one piece" is a common and versatile expression used to convey the idea of safety, intactness, and survival without harm or damage. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Sports. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context appropriately implies a potentially harmful or damaging situation, avoiding redundancy. Alternatives such as "unharmed", "intact", and "safe and sound" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intact

Emphasizes the unbroken or undamaged state of something.

undamaged

Specifically refers to the lack of physical damage.

unharmed

Focuses specifically on the absence of injury or harm.

without a scratch

Emphasizes the complete absence of even minor damage.

safe and sound

Highlights both the security and well-being of a person or object.

in its entirety

Refers to the complete and unabridged state of something.

in good condition

Implies that something is well-maintained and functional.

all in one go

Indicates doing something without interruption and comprehensively.

wholly

Stresses the completeness or entirety of something.

entirely

Similar to 'wholly' but can also refer to the extent or degree.

FAQs

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

You can use "in one piece" to describe something or someone arriving safely and without damage after a potentially hazardous journey, or to express a wish for someone's safety. For example, "I hope the package arrives "in one piece"" or "I just want him to come home "in one piece"".

What are some alternatives to saying "in one piece"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "in one piece" include "unharmed", "intact", "safe and sound", or "undamaged".

Is it correct to say "arrive in one piece"?

Yes, it is correct to say "arrive in one piece". It means to arrive safely and without being damaged or harmed. It is a common and idiomatic expression.

What does it mean to keep someone "in one piece"?

To keep someone "in one piece" means to protect them from harm or danger. It suggests ensuring their safety and well-being.