one single person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'one single person' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used in a sentence to describe an individual, as opposed to a group of people. For example: "Only one single person seemed to know the answer to the question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everyone on the boat is married, so there isn't one single person on the boat.

The New Yorker

"There was not one single person on the street," Ms. Boyd said.

The New York Times

All painted with Humbrol enamel paint, there are broken goalposts, garages, sub-stations, terraced houses and so on – and not one single person.

The Guardian

Furthermore, in requesting a Muslim response on Hanson, there are implications that one single person can actually represent the entire Muslim community.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not one single person could, because there is not one human being on this planet who is any better.

Vice

One single person.

The New York Times

Not one single person crying.

The Guardian

No one single person or company can.

The Guardian

Not one single person injured by the released radiation.

University of California, Berkeley

Finally, it will be just one single person".

The New Yorker

"No one single person can reverse that trend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one single person" to emphasize that an action or responsibility falls on an individual, rather than a group. For example, "Not one single person volunteered to clean up the mess".

Common error

While "one single person" can be effective for emphasis, avoid overusing it in your writing. In many cases, "one person" or "a single individual" will suffice and sound less repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one single person" functions primarily as a noun phrase, modifying a verb or acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It serves to emphasize the individuality or isolation of someone, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one single person" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize the role or impact of an individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from neutral news reports to more formal business communications. While the phrase can be effective for adding emphasis, it's important to avoid overuse. Alternatives like "one person" or "a single individual" may be more appropriate in some cases. Its frequency is high across diverse sources, especially in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one individual

Emphasizes the individuality and distinctness of the person.

a solitary person

Highlights the state of being alone or isolated.

a lone individual

Similar to "a solitary person", emphasizing being alone.

a particular person

Focuses on a specific, though not necessarily identified, individual.

any one person

Indicates that it could be any person out of a group.

just one person

Emphasizes the small number or minimal requirement of only one.

a single soul

Adds an emotional or spiritual dimension to referring to a person.

one human being

Highlights the person's humanity.

a unique person

Stresses the distinctiveness and special qualities of the person.

an individual entity

Presents the person as a separate and independent being, often in a more formal context.

FAQs

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

You can use "one single person" to emphasize that an action or feeling is attributed to an individual. For instance, "Not "one single person" complained about the noise".

What's a more concise way to say "one single person"?

Alternatives to "one single person" include "one person", "a single individual", or simply "an individual". The best choice depends on the context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "one single person" and "any single person"?

"One single person" emphasizes that only one individual is involved, while "any single person" suggests that it could be any individual from a group. The difference lies in the specificity versus the generality of the person being referred to.

When is it appropriate to use "one single person" instead of "one person"?

Use "one single person" when you want to add emphasis or highlight the fact that only one individual is responsible, affected, or capable. It's more emphatic than simply saying "one person".