not one of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not one of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone does not belong to a particular group or category. Example: "She is not one of the candidates we are considering for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not one of us!

The New York Times - Sports

I'm not one of them.

The Guardian - Sport

"He's not one of us".

The New York Times

This is not one of those cases.

The New York Times - Magazine

Goaltending is not one of them.

The New York Times

"He is not one of them.

The New York Times

Not one of the characters sells out.

The New York Times - Books

Not one of these duos became friends.

The New York Times

Kennedy was not one of those Presidents.

The New Yorker

It's not one of my best.

The New York Times - Sports

But genetics is not one of them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not one of", ensure the context clearly defines the group or category being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "Not one of the candidates" instead of just "Not one of them".

Common error

Avoid assuming that the audience understands the group you are referring to. Always provide enough context so the reader knows exactly who or what is being excluded by "not one of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not one of" functions as a negative quantifier, indicating that zero members of a specific group or category possess a particular attribute or characteristic. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts to negate inclusion or belonging.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not one of" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express exclusion or negation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it appears predominantly in news and media contexts. To ensure clarity, define the group being referenced. While similar phrases exist, "not included in" and "no member of" offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning. Remember, while "not one of them are" may be heard colloquially, "not one of them is" is the grammatically preferred form.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not included in

Simply states that something is not part of a specific list or group.

not any of

A more direct way of stating that none of the members of a group are applicable.

not a single one

Highlights the complete absence of even a single element from a group.

none among

Emphasizes the absence of something within a specific group or set.

no member of

Formally states that someone or something does not belong to a particular group.

excluded from

Indicates that something has been deliberately left out of a group or category.

outside the bounds of

Expresses that something falls beyond the limits or scope of a particular group.

apart from all

Suggests a separation or distinction from an entire group or set.

distinct from every

Emphasizes the uniqueness and separation from all members of a group.

lacking in every

Indicates a complete absence of a particular attribute across an entire group.

FAQs

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

Use "not one of" to indicate that someone or something does not belong to a particular group. For example: "He is "not one of" the invited guests".

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

"None of" and "not one of" are often interchangeable, but "not one of" emphasizes the individual exclusion from a group while "none of" focuses on the group as a whole. For example: "None of the students passed the exam" versus "Not one of the students passed the exam".

What can I say instead of "not one of"?

You can use alternatives like "no member of", "not included in", or "none among" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "not one of them are" instead of "not one of them is"?

While grammatically, "is" is more correct because "one" is singular, "not one of them are" is sometimes used colloquially, particularly when emphasizing the collective aspect of "them". However, using "is" maintains formal correctness.