one person

USAGE SUMMARY

"one person" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "Only one person was left in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One person.

The New Yorker

One person was apprehended.

The New York Times

One person has died.

The Economist

One person matters.

The New York Times

One person replied.

The New Yorker

One person per hour.

The New York Times

One person was wounded.

The New York Times

One person, once.

The New Yorker

One person was arrested.

The New York Times

One person died.

The New York Times

One person is being questioned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider using "a single individual" instead of "one person" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "one people" when referring to a single person. "People" is the plural of "person". Instead, always use "one person" for singular reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one person" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It specifies a single individual, as seen in Ludwig examples where "one person" is involved in various actions or states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one person" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to refer to a single individual. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media, as well as in informal and scientific settings. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives like "a single individual" may be preferred in certain professional contexts. Common errors, such as using "one people", should be avoided. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the phrase's grammatical function, communicative purpose, and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just one person

Adds emphasis to the singularity, often implying surprise or disbelief.

a single individual

More formal and emphasizes the singularity of the person.

a sole individual

Emphasizes the uniqueness and exclusiveness of the person.

an individual

Slightly more formal and less emphatic than "one person".

a person

More generic and less specific than "one person".

a particular person

Highlights a specific person out of a group.

someone

Indefinite and doesn't emphasize singularity as much as "one person".

any person

Emphasizes the lack of restriction on who the person might be.

a solitary figure

Implies isolation or being alone.

a single soul

More poetic or dramatic way to refer to a person.

FAQs

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

You can use "one person" in sentences to refer to a single individual, as in "one person was injured" or "only one person responded".

What's a more formal alternative to "one person"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "a single individual" or "an individual".

Is it ever correct to say "one people"?

No, "one people" is grammatically incorrect when referring to a single individual. "People" is the plural form. Always use "one person" in this context.

What is the difference between "one person" and "someone"?

"One person" specifically emphasizes a single individual, while "someone" is a more general and indefinite term.