one among many

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one among many" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a single item that is among a larger group of similar items. For example, "During the marathon, I was just one among many racers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many contributions followed the one by Altman (among many, one can cite Deakin (1972) or Blum (1974)).

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Among the many, many superlative phrases one could use to describe Hannibal is "a master class in adaptation".

The Guardian

That leaves his party one among many.

The New York Times

One among many.

The New York Times

It's one among many striking omissions".

The New Yorker

Fred was just one among many.

The Guardian - Books

That meal was merely one among many that delighted us.

The New York Times

Besides, he added, his opinion was one among many.

The New Yorker

Here, he was just one among many outlandish elements.

The Guardian - Film

A proper goosebumps moment, but just one among many.

The Guardian - Sport

The doctor's account is one among many.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and register of your writing. While "one among many" is versatile, in very formal contexts, a more precise phrase might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "one among many" in contexts where the comparison is too obvious or simplistic. For instance, saying "a tree is one among many in the forest" is redundant and lacks impact. Opt for more nuanced comparisons or descriptive language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one among many" functions as a descriptive modifier, indicating that a particular item or instance is part of a larger, often indistinguishable, group. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It helps to contextualize a specific element within a broader scope.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one among many" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe an item's inclusion within a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and example sentences highlight its use across diverse contexts such as news reporting, scientific analysis, and general descriptive writing. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to consider the specific context to determine if a more precise alternative might be suitable. Common errors include overuse in simplistic comparisons. The phrase effectively conveys the idea of belonging to a larger entity while potentially diminishing the individual significance of the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one of many

A simpler, more direct synonym.

just one of several

This phrase emphasizes that there are multiple similar items.

among many others

Shortened version which implies something shares properties of others.

a member of a larger group

This is a more generic and literal way of expressing the same idea.

part of a larger picture

This phrase highlights the interconnectedness and context of the item.

a drop in the ocean

This metaphor emphasizes the smallness of the item in relation to the whole.

one piece of a larger puzzle

This suggests that the item contributes to a more complex whole.

a single instance among numerous others

This alternative provides a more formal and descriptive version.

an element in a bigger set

This phrase focuses on the item as a component of a larger collection.

a grain of sand on the beach

This is a metaphor that emphasizes the numerous quantity and anonymity.

FAQs

How can I use "one among many" in a sentence?

You can use "one among many" to indicate that something is part of a larger group or collection. For instance, "The study was "one among many" exploring the effects of climate change".

What are some alternatives to "one among many"?

Some alternatives include "a drop in the ocean", "part of a larger picture", or simply "one of many", depending on the context.

Is "one among many" formal or informal?

"One among many" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, you might consider a more precise or elaborate phrase.

What's the difference between "one among many" and "among many others"?

"One among many" emphasizes the individual item's inclusion in a larger group, while "among many others" focuses more on the existence of numerous similar items. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.