just one word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just one word" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the importance or impact of a single word in a sentence. Example: "Her response to the question was just one word - 'yes' - but it spoke volumes about her feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This week I want to concentrate on just one word.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Written on them was just one word: "SYMPHONY". You know what?

HuffPost

"It would save space on bumper stickers," he said, imagining just one word: Bush.

The New York Times

Just one word: Pinochet.

The New Yorker

That's right: just one word.

Harvard Business Review

It's just one word: plastics.

The New York Times

All say just one word: "Yes".

The Guardian

He replied with just one word: "Subscriptions".

The New York Times

And suddenly, just one word is erased".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The masthead had just one word - BRILLIANT - in black on red and yellow.

The Guardian

He offered up just one word.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just one word" to introduce a powerful, concise summary or response. It signals that the following term carries significant weight or meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "just one word" when the single word doesn't have a significant impact or doesn't effectively summarize the topic. Save it for instances where brevity truly enhances the message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just one word" functions primarily as an introductory phrase. It is used to set the stage for a concise statement or response, emphasizing the power or sufficiency of a single word. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

15%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just one word" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize the significance and impact of a single word. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as academic contexts. While versatile, it’s best employed when the subsequent word carries substantial meaning. Alternatives include "a single word" or "in a word", each offering subtle variations in emphasis. Its frequent use in authoritative sources underscores its validity and utility in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exactly one word

Specifies the precise quantity of one word.

a single word

Emphasizes the singularity of the word.

simply one word

Adds emphasis to the straightforward nature of using just one word.

one solitary word

Highlights the isolation and uniqueness of the word.

a single term

Replaces "word" with "term", suitable in more formal contexts.

one individual word

Emphasizes the distinct and separate nature of the word.

a mere word

Underscores the smallness or simplicity of relying on only one word.

a lone word

Focuses on the word being by itself, without any other accompanying words.

a concise word

Highlights the briefness and terseness of the word used.

a solitary expression

Replaces "word" with "expression", suitable for broader communication.

FAQs

How can I use "just one word" effectively in a sentence?

Use "just one word" to introduce a concise and impactful summary, opinion, or description. For example, "His reaction was "just one word": 'disappointment'".

What are some alternatives to using "just one word"?

Alternatives include "a single word", "one word only", or "in a word". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis desired.

Is it grammatically correct to use "just one word"?

Yes, "just one word" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. It serves as a phrase to highlight the importance of a single term.

What's the difference between "just one word" and "only one word"?

While both phrases are similar, "just one word" often implies that the single word is sufficient or particularly meaningful, whereas "only one word" simply indicates a limitation to a single word. Depending on context, "just one word" can be more emphatic.