on a single issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a single issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a specific topic or concern that is being addressed or debated. Example: "The committee decided to focus their efforts on a single issue that had been affecting the community for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That one must focus on a single issue and charge ahead.

Huffington Post

The struggle for LGBT equality is not one-dimensional or focused on a single issue.

Huffington Post

And one told me that he didn't agree with Sanders on a single issue, but always voted for him, because Sanders was always honest about what he believed.

Huffington Post

"He'll make an alliance with anyone on a single issue.

The Guardian

"We're going to begin the term with an intense focus on a single issue.

The New York Times

But Mr Liberman had really broken with his party on a single issue, Iraq.

The Economist

Han says, "Ai's criticism is more direct and he is more persistent on a single issue.

The New Yorker

"But not on a single issue or a single action or playing a single video".

The New York Times

If it is a single-issue party, then it needs to campaign on a single issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

"And that's because I have not heard him discuss his stands on a single issue.

The New York Times

And they work holistically with people's complex issues and lives, rather than on a single issue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic papers, using "on a single issue" can clearly define the scope of your research, indicating that you're concentrating on one specific aspect of a broader topic.

Common error

Avoid using "on a single issue" when the discussion involves multiple interconnected problems. Ensure the context genuinely reflects a focus on one specific point, not a series of related concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a single issue" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the scope or focus of an action or discussion. Ludwig's examples show it commonly used to describe targeted campaigns, research scopes, or political stances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a single issue" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote a focus on a specific topic or concern. As indicated by Ludwig, it's frequently employed in news, media, and scientific contexts to define the scope of discussions, campaigns, or research. While highly versatile, it's essential to ensure that its usage accurately reflects a concentration on one singular point, avoiding any ambiguity regarding interconnected problems. Alternative phrases, like "focused on one topic" or "centered on one subject", can provide similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focused on one topic

Emphasizes the concentration of attention on a specific subject matter, differing slightly in its explicit mention of 'topic'.

concentrated on one matter

Highlights the act of focusing intensely on a particular concern or subject, using 'matter' instead of 'issue'.

dedicated to one problem

Implies a commitment to resolving a specific difficulty or challenge, substituting 'problem' for 'issue'.

centered on one subject

Suggests that a discussion or activity primarily revolves around a particular subject, using 'subject' instead of 'issue'.

specializing in one area

Indicates expertise or focus within a particular field or discipline, diverging slightly to emphasize specialization.

fixated on one point

Conveys an intense or obsessive focus on a single idea or detail, differing in its implication of strong focus.

limited to one aspect

Indicates a restriction or confinement to a specific facet or element, using 'aspect' to denote a partial feature.

solely on one concern

Emphasizes the exclusivity of attention directed towards a particular worry or interest, adding 'solely' for emphasis.

restricted to one question

Indicates a boundary regarding a specific inquiry, using 'question' in place of 'issue' to narrow the scope.

geared towards one goal

Implies that actions or efforts are specifically oriented toward achieving a particular objective, using 'goal' to denote a desired outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "on a single issue" in a sentence?

You can use "on a single issue" to describe focusing efforts or arguments. For example, "The campaign focused "on a single issue": healthcare reform."

What can I say instead of "on a single issue"?

Alternatives include "focused on one topic", "centered on one subject", or "dedicated to one problem", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to campaign on multiple issues or "on a single issue"?

The choice depends on the context and goals. Campaigning "on a single issue" can create a clear, memorable message, while addressing multiple issues may appeal to a broader audience.

What's the difference between "on a single issue" and "regarding one matter"?

"On a single issue" typically refers to a specific point of contention or debate. "Regarding one matter" is broader and can encompass any subject or topic being discussed. For example, the politician's stance "on a single issue" garnered mixed reactions, whereas the meeting was scheduled regarding one matter of great concern.