missing a single

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "missing a single" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're referring to something being incomplete or not done in its entirety. For example, "We tried our best, but we're still missing a single piece of the puzzle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Both leagues did so without missing a single day due to a work stoppage.

The Guardian - Sport

The new Arrested cast wasn't missing a single original member, right down to the Veals and the waitress at Swappigans.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But the club's regular Thursday night attraction, the Mingus Orchestra, is not missing a single week of work.

The New York Times

Interdisciplinary therapy was used to treat a patient missing a single posterior tooth opposing an extruded tooth.

The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry

Mr. Mehta emphasized that it would return in 2012, so missing a single summer may not be that significant.

The New York Times - Arts

Friedel has racked up 309 consecutive Premier League games, not missing a single one in seven seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

I came to hate the sight of the hospital's brooding Victorian presence in my life and the knowledge that missing a single session could kill me.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I never missed a single one".

The Guardian - Books

I have never missed a single episode.

The Guardian

"I never missed a single performance".

The Guardian - Film

I never missed a single meeting.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "missing a single" to describe attendance or participation, ensure the context clearly conveys the significance of the absence. For example, "He has not been missing a single class this semester, demonstrating his commitment."

Common error

Avoid using "missing a single" when the absence is trivial or expected. Overusing it can dilute its impact, especially when describing events where occasional absences are normal. Choose a less emphatic phrase in those instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "missing a single" typically functions as a modifier, emphasizing the absence of even one instance of something. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use in highlighting consistent presence, participation, or inclusion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "missing a single" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that emphasizes the absence of even one instance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It's frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, serving to highlight consistency, completeness, or diligence. While its register is generally neutral, it's most effective when used to underscore the significance of avoiding even a single omission. When considering alternatives, options like "omitting one" or "failing to include one" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

omitting one

Focuses on the act of leaving something out intentionally or unintentionally.

neglecting even one

Highlights the importance of not overlooking even the smallest detail.

overlooking one instance

Emphasizes the failure to notice or consider a particular occurrence.

failing to include one

Focuses on the lack of incorporation of a specific item or element.

skipping one

Suggests a deliberate or accidental act of passing over something.

leaving out a solitary

Emphasizes the isolation and exclusion of a single item.

excluding just one

Focuses on the act of purposefully keeping something separate.

not accounting for even one

Highlights the lack of consideration or reckoning of a specific item.

disregarding one

Suggests a conscious decision to ignore or dismiss something.

overpassing one

Focuses on moving beyond or exceeding a specific item.

FAQs

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

You can use "missing a single" to emphasize the consistent presence or inclusion of something. For instance, "She has not been "missing a single" day of work this year" highlights her perfect attendance.

What can I say instead of "missing a single"?

Alternatives include "omitting one", "neglecting even one", or "failing to include one", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "missing a single opportunity" or "missing single opportunity"?

"Missing a single opportunity" is the correct and more common phrasing. It emphasizes that not even one opportunity was missed. "Missing single opportunity" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "missing a single" and "missing only one"?

"Missing a single" emphasizes consistency or perfect attendance/inclusion, while "missing only one" simply states that the quantity missed was one. The former carries a stronger connotation of diligence or completeness.