one by one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'one by one' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to things that are counted or done in succession, one at a time. For example, "The guests arrived at the party one by one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

One by one they head into town.

BBC

One by one they came.

The New Yorker

"One by one," she said.

The New York Times

One by one was worse.

The New York Times

One by one, contestants admitted defeat.

Independent

One by one, they have returned.

The Economist

One by one, the tenants left.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But these are one-by-one reports.

The New York Times

Initially, tutors were trained one-by-one.

The New York Times

We will consider them one-by-one.

SEP

Just list them one-by-one.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one by one" to clearly indicate a sequential process or action, emphasizing that each element is considered or acted upon separately and in order. This is especially useful in instructions, narratives, and explanations where clarity is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "one by one" with other adverbs that already imply sequential action, such as "subsequently" or "later". Saying "They arrived one by one subsequently" is redundant. Choose the clearest and most concise option.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one by one" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate that actions are performed sequentially and individually. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts. Examples from Ludwig showcase its versatility in describing processes and events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

27%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "one by one" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a sequential and individual progression. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. As shown by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from news reports to instructional guides, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. While alternatives like "one at a time" or "individually" exist, "one by one" distinctly emphasizes the ordered and separate consideration of each element in a sequence. Therefore, use "one by one" when you wish to convey a methodical and step-by-step approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one at a time

This alternative directly emphasizes the sequential and singular nature of the actions or items being considered.

bit by bit

Highlights the slow, incremental nature of the process or action.

individually

This focuses on the separate and distinct nature of each item or action.

sequentially

This term highlights the ordered progression of events or items.

in succession

Similar to "sequentially", this emphasizes the following of one after another without interruption.

step by step

Emphasizes a methodical and ordered approach.

by turns

Suggests a rotating order or alternating sequence.

singly

Highlights the performance of something by a single entity or item.

piecemeal

Emphasizes that something is accomplished little by little, often over a period of time.

gradually

Focuses on the slow and incremental nature of the process.

FAQs

How can I use "one by one" in a sentence?

The phrase "one by one" indicates that actions or events occur sequentially and individually. For example, "The students entered the classroom "one by one"" or "We addressed the issues "one by one" during the meeting".

What are some alternatives to saying "one by one"?

Alternatives include "one at a time", "individually", or "sequentially". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference in formality between "one by one" and "one at a time"?

While both phrases are widely understood, "one by one" can sometimes feel slightly more formal or literary, while "one at a time" is generally considered more conversational.

When is it best to use "one by one" instead of other similar phrases?

Use "one by one" when you want to emphasize the ordered progression and individual handling of items or actions. It's particularly effective when describing a process where each step is distinct and follows a specific sequence, or when listing individual items from a set in the order of appearance rather than grouping or categorising them.