not a single

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not a single" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that none of something exist or has occurred. For example: "Not a single person showed up to the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not a single thing".

The New York Times

Not a single one.

The New York Times

Not a single time.

The New Yorker

Not a single car.

The New Yorker

Not a single Republican would.

The New York Times

Not a single landmine exploded.

Independent

Not a single thank you.

The New York Times

"Not a single human being".

The New Yorker

Not a single stick-up?

The New York Times

Not a single acorn.

The Washington Post

Not a single dime.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not a single" to emphasize the complete absence of something, creating a stronger impact than simply stating that there is none. For example, instead of saying "There were no survivors", say "Not a single survivor was found".

Common error

Avoid using "not a single" in sentences where a simpler negative form would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or repetitive. For example, instead of "Not a single person came", consider "No one came".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a single" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically used to emphasize the absence or lack of something. It intensifies the negation, highlighting that absolutely none of the specified item or event exists or has occurred. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not a single" is a versatile and impactful way to emphasize the complete absence of something. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and "very common", especially in news and media. While it's a powerful tool for strong negation, remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Consider alternatives like "no", "none", or "not one" when a less emphatic tone is desired. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate "not a single" into your writing for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not one

A more concise way to express the same idea of complete absence.

absolutely none

Emphasizes the complete absence of something, adding intensity.

not any

A more general way of indicating the absence of something.

not even one

Highlights the surprising absence of even a minimal quantity.

zero

A direct and concise way to state that there is nothing.

not a soul

Specifically emphasizes the absence of people.

no one

Highlights the absence of a person.

not anything

A general expression to denote the lack of anything.

without exception

Implies that in every instance, something is absent or does not occur.

in no instance

Focuses on the lack of occurrence in any specific case.

FAQs

How can I use "not a single" in a sentence?

Use "not a single" to emphasize the complete absence of something. For example, "Not a single person volunteered for the task", highlighting that no one offered to help.

What's a more concise alternative to "not a single"?

Alternatives include "not one", "none", or simply using a negative construction like "no". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of emphasis.

Is it ever incorrect to use "not a single"?

While grammatically correct, using "not a single" in every situation might sound repetitive. Consider simpler options like "no" or "none" when emphasis isn't necessary. Overuse can reduce its impact.

What's the difference between "not a single" and "no"?

"Not a single" emphasizes the complete absence of something, while "no" simply states the absence. For example, "There are no apples" indicates that apples are absent. "Not a single apple" implies a surprising or significant absence.