missing only one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "missing only one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where something is lacking just a single item or element. Example: "The puzzle was almost complete, missing only one piece to finish the picture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

But he threw in the outfield today, with Mendoza as his caddy, and Torre embraced the idea that Cone could pitch again Sept. 15, missing only one start, the game in Boston on Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps Jennifer Capriati has been one of the few tuning in, because last night, in Arthur Ashe Stadium, she did a fine Connors impression in a classic Open match of her own with a fist-clenching, linesman-berating, winner-on-the-run performance that was missing only one essential element.

The New York Times - Sports

Vinatieri made 24 of 30 field goals this season, missing only one from inside the 40.

The New York Times - Sports

Forward Tamika Williams collected 12 points and 9 rebounds, missing only one of seven shots.

The New York Times - Sports

Rudd spent the last two seasons with the Browns, missing only one start.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Sharff, 69, an architect, comes along, too, missing only one year, when he had appendicitis.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"I thought I was going to win it," said Toledo, who missed only one green on the day.

The New York Times - Sports

The crowd look on with open eyes if he misses only one.

The Guardian - Sport

He has missed only one game.

The New York Times - Sports

Osgood has missed only one game.

The New York Times - Sports

This year he has missed only one.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "missing only one" to emphasize the near completeness of something, highlighting that only a single element is lacking. For example, "The project was almost finished, missing only one signature."

Common error

Avoid using "missing only one" in excessively complex sentences where simpler phrasing would improve clarity. For instance, instead of "Despite the extensive preparations and numerous attendees, the event was deemed a failure, missing only one critical element: effective leadership", try "The event failed due to a lack of effective leadership".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "missing only one" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is almost complete but lacks a single element. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it is commonly used to describe near-complete states.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Sports

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "missing only one" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjectival phrase that highlights near-completeness with a single deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The phrase is most often found in news, science, and sports contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it in overly complicated sentences where simpler language would improve clarity. Related phrases like "lacking just one" or "short by one" can offer variety. Overall, it's a useful expression for emphasizing a small but significant lack.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking just one

Emphasizes the absence of a single item, similar to the original phrase.

short by one

Indicates a deficiency of one unit, maintaining the core meaning.

one short

A concise way of expressing the lack of one item.

deficient by one

A more formal way to state the deficiency of a single unit.

needing only one

Focuses on the requirement of just one more item.

wanting only one

Highlights the desire for a single missing component.

one away from

Expresses proximity to completion or perfection.

almost complete but for one

Acknowledges near completion with a single exception.

everything but one

Highlights the presence of all items except one.

all present except one

States the presence of all items with the exception of one.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "missing only one" for variety?

You could use phrases like "lacking just one", "short by one", or "needing only one" to express a similar idea.

Is it grammatically correct to say "missing only one piece"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "missing only one" functions as an adjective phrase modifying "piece". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English.

What does it mean when something is described as "missing only one thing"?

It means that whatever is being described is almost complete or perfect, with just a single element or component lacking. For example, "The recipe was perfect, missing only one ingredient: a pinch of salt".

In what contexts is the phrase "missing only one" most appropriate?

The phrase is suitable in contexts where you want to emphasize the near completeness of something while acknowledging a single deficiency. This can be in sports, academics, or general situations. For example, a student "missing only one" question on a test, or a team "missing only one" player due to injury.