not a single one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not a single one" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to emphasize the absence of something, and is usually followed by a noun or pronoun. For example, "I searched through 100 stores but could not find a single pair of shoes that fit me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Burnley had 16 shots against Liverpool but not a single one of them was on target.

BBC

Not a single one of them referred to on-pitch strategy.

The Guardian - Sport

But not a single one has taken me up on that offer.

Los Angeles Times

"On the other hand, not a single one strongly disagrees".

Vice

Not a single one of its several people who writes on the Middle East knows Arabic.

Huffington Post

Not a single one, however, had resulted in a final award on the merits.

Harvard University

He never got a single sketch on the show, which says something – not a single one.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But not a single one of them is ready to close the book on living.

Huffington Post

DOENITZ: Not a single one.

Yale University

Maybe not a single one.

The New York Times - Books

Not a single one was a man.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not a single one" to emphasize the complete absence of something, adding a stronger sense of negation than simply saying "none" or "not one".

Common error

Avoid using "not a single one" excessively in casual conversation, as it can sound overly formal or dramatic. Simpler alternatives like "none" or "not one" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a single one" functions as a determiner or pronoun, emphatically negating the existence or presence of even a single entity within a specified group. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in emphasizing absence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not a single one" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize the complete absence of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely employed across various contexts, from news reporting to academic writing. Its primary function is to strongly negate the existence of even a single item within a group. While versatile, it's best used when a forceful statement of absence is desired. Alternatives like "none" or "not one" can be suitable in less formal contexts. The phrase's prevalence in reputable sources underscores its reliability and acceptance in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not one

This is a shorter and more direct way of saying "not a single one", emphasizing the absence of even one item.

not even one

This emphasizes that not even a solitary item exists or applies.

none

This is a concise way to indicate that zero items are present or applicable.

absolutely none

This strengthens the negation, emphasizing the complete absence of anything.

not any

This expresses the absence of something, similar to "not a single one" but less emphatic.

not a single item

This specifies that no individual item is present.

not any at all

This reinforces the absence of something with added emphasis.

not one bit

This emphasizes the absence of even the smallest amount or degree of something.

zero

A simple and direct way to express the complete absence of something.

nothing

This indicates the absence of anything relevant or applicable.

FAQs

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

Use "not a single one" to emphasize the absence of something among a group or set. For example, "I asked all my friends, but "not a single one" could help me move."

What's the difference between "not a single one" and "none"?

"Not a single one" emphasizes the absence of even one item, creating a stronger sense of negation. "None" is a more general term for the absence of something. For example, "Not a single one of my calls were answered" is more emphatic than "None of my calls were answered."

Can I use "not a single one" to refer to uncountable nouns?

While it's more common to use "not a single one" with countable nouns, you can use it with uncountable nouns in certain contexts to emphasize the complete absence of something. For example, "There wasn't "not a single one" drop of rain all summer."

What are some alternatives to "not a single one"?

Alternatives include "not one", "none", or "not even one". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.