one individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The term 'one individual' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a single person in lieu of saying "someone" or "a person". For example, "One individual at the party was particularly memorable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At length, there was one individual left on the list.

The Guardian - Opinion

Can one individual rely on another?

Huffington Post

One individual: Hervé Falciani.

Independent

Not one individual".

The New York Times

One individual received placebo.

Clinical Immunology

"One individual can make a huge difference".

The New York Times

"One individual speech doesn't do anything.

The New Yorker

Perspective one – Individual subjective factors.

The Guardian

It's mainly a proposal by one individual".

The New York Times

Nothing today is about one individual.

The New York Times

"Death comes one individual at a time".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one individual" when you want to emphasize the distinctness or separateness of a person from a group or system. It adds a layer of formality to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "one individual" in very informal contexts where simpler terms like "person" or "someone" would be more appropriate. Overly formal language can sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one individual" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a single person, often emphasizing their distinctness or separateness from a group. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one individual" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to denote a single person, often with an emphasis on their distinctness or specific role. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted in formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overusing it in casual settings where simpler alternatives like "person" or "someone" would be more appropriate. Remember to consider the context to ensure your language aligns with the intended tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one person

More concise and direct way of saying "one individual".

a single person

Focuses on the singularity of the person, similar to the original phrase but more direct.

an individual person

Emphasizes the personal and distinct nature of the person.

a sole person

Emphasizes that there is only one person involved.

a lone individual

Highlights the solitary aspect of the person.

a particular person

Specifies a certain person among others.

a certain individual

Similar to "a particular person" but can also imply some obscurity.

a unique person

Focuses on the distinctiveness of the person.

a solitary figure

Emphasizes the person's isolated presence or role.

an isolated case

Highlights the rarity or infrequency of the person or situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "one individual" to refer to a single person, especially when emphasizing their distinct role or actions. For example, "One individual can make a significant difference in a community."

What can I say instead of "one individual"?

Alternatives include "a single person", "one person", or "a particular person" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "one individual" or "an individual"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "one individual" emphasizes singularity, while "an individual" is a more general term for any person.

What is the difference between "one individual" and "a specific person"?

"One individual" generally refers to any single person, whereas "a specific person" indicates a known or identified person. The first phrase is more generic, the second more precise.