no single individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "no single individual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that a particular action, decision, or situation cannot be attributed to just one person, highlighting collective responsibility or influence. Example: "In this project, no single individual can take credit for the success; it was a team effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"No single individual is to blame," Lord Butler said.

The New York Times

"There's no single individual who is responsible for our failures.

The New York Times

No single individual can determine such a fundamental issue as this.

The Guardian

Later, he rightly adds, "No single individual can save an organization".

The New York Times

"I found no single individual who had any concerns about the plant.

The New York Times

No single individual is to blame for the reality of New York's subway.

The New York Times

It is true that no single individual succeeds by himself or herself.

Harvard Business Review

"No single issue is the reason, and no single individual is to blame".

The New York Times - Sports

This, says the report, is "so that no single individual has undue influence over a number of schools".

The Guardian

Dyke said it was crucial that no single individual is ever able to have a decisive hold on the operation again.

The Guardian - Sport

No single individual or free association of individuals could have achieved the repressive techniques of Nazi Germany, the slaughter of intensive bombing, or the atomic bomb.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no single individual" to clearly state that a situation, achievement, or problem is not the responsibility or result of one person's actions alone, highlighting collective involvement or systemic factors.

Common error

Avoid using "no single individual" as a way to completely absolve individuals of responsibility when their actions did contribute to a negative outcome. Acknowledge shared responsibility while still recognizing individual contributions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no single individual" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically as a negative quantifier. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to negate the idea of a singular entity being solely responsible or influential. This emphasizes collective involvement or shared responsibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "no single individual" is a commonly used phrase that functions as a negative quantifier, emphasizing that responsibility, influence, or capability is not limited to one person. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. When writing, use this phrase to highlight collective involvement and avoid implying that one person is solely accountable. While suitable for formal writing, remember to be mindful of the context to ensure clear and balanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not one person

Focuses on the absence of even one person being responsible.

no one alone

Emphasizes that no person can achieve something by themselves.

no person by themselves

Highlights individual effort and the need for collaboration.

no sole person

Directly negates the idea of a single person being in charge.

not a single soul

Adds emotional emphasis to the absence of individual responsibility.

no individual alone

Emphasizes the need for collective effort rather than solitary action.

nobody exclusively

Highlights that responsibility or credit is not exclusive to anyone.

no one exclusively

Similar to 'nobody exclusively', but slightly more formal.

not any one person

A more emphatic way of saying 'no single person'.

no particular individual

Suggests a lack of specific person accountable or responsible.

FAQs

How can I use "no single individual" in a sentence?

You can use "no single individual" to emphasize that a situation or outcome is the result of a collective effort, not attributable to just one person. For example, "No single individual can solve the world's problems; it requires global cooperation."

What are some alternatives to "no single individual"?

Alternatives include "not one person", "no one alone", or "no person by themselves". These phrases similarly convey the idea that responsibility or achievement is shared.

When is it appropriate to use "no single individual"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that a task, problem, or success involves multiple people or factors, and cannot be attributed solely to one person's actions or decisions.

Is it correct to say "not a single individual" instead of "no single individual"?

Yes, "not a single individual" is a valid alternative. It emphasizes the absence of even one person who could be considered solely responsible or capable.