one at a time

USAGE SUMMARY

'one at a time' is a phrase that is used in written English and is used to emphasize that something should be done slowly and separately.
For example: "We need to go through each set of paperwork one at a time to ensure that all the information is accurate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One at a time, that is.

The New York Times

Let's do things one at a time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let's take them one at a time.

University of California, Berkeley

1) Build Relationships One at a Time.

Science Magazine

One at a time, please, one at a time.

TechCrunch

One at a time most days.

Johns Hopkins University

Just one at a time.

Huffington Post

How? "One at a time".

Huffington Post

One at a time now.

Vice

"Yeah, well one at a time".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Variables were added one-at-a-time.

Forest Ecosystems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one at a time" to emphasize a focused and deliberate approach, especially when dealing with complex tasks or overwhelming situations.

Common error

Avoid using "one at a time" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "step by step" or "individually" for a more engaging writing style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one at a time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that actions should be performed or items should be considered individually and sequentially. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

34%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one at a time" serves as an adverbial phrase indicating a sequential and individual approach. It is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific publications, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary purpose is to emphasize focus and thoroughness, suggesting a methodical strategy when dealing with complex tasks. While versatile, overuse should be avoided for stylistic reasons. For alternative phrasing, consider "step by step", "individually", or "one by one", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one by one

Very close in meaning to "one at a time", but slightly more formal.

step by step

Emphasizes the incremental progress made.

individually

Highlights the separate nature of each item or action.

sequentially

Focuses on the order in which things are done.

in turn

Highlights the rotational aspect of doing things one after another.

in sequence

Similar to sequentially, but may apply to events or processes.

singly

A more formal way of saying individually or one at a time.

bit by bit

Focuses on the gradual nature of the progress.

methodically

Suggests a structured and careful approach to doing things one after another.

piece by piece

Implies a process of assembling or constructing.

FAQs

How can I use "one at a time" in a sentence?

You can use "one at a time" to emphasize focusing on individual items or steps in a process. For example, "Let's address these issues "one by one"", or "Introduce new foods to the baby "one at a time" to check for allergies."

What is a synonym for "one at a time"?

Synonyms for "one at a time" include "individually", "sequentially", and "step by step". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "one at a time" or "one by one"?

"One at a time" and "one by one" are very similar and often interchangeable. "One by one" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but both are generally acceptable. For example, “The students entered the auditorium "one at a time"” is equivalent to “The students entered the auditorium "one by one"”.

When should I use "one at a time" instead of "all at once"?

Use "one at a time" when you want to emphasize a deliberate, sequential approach, especially when dealing with complex tasks or potential problems. Use "all at once" when things are happening simultaneously or when multiple actions are combined. For example, "Don't try to learn everything "all at once"; focus on mastering each concept "one at a time"."