one too few

USAGE SUMMARY

"one too few" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are indicating there are not enough of something. For example, "We only ordered nine boxes of donuts, but it looks like one too few."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

There's one too few chairs.

The New Yorker

Ippolito's result would have been good enough to earn a grandmaster norm, but he played one too few international players.

The New York Times

My philosophy has always been I would like to give somebody one too many goes rather than one too few – then you find out one way or another".

The Guardian - Sport

The notion that one too few white people or one too many people of color somehow vastly changes the community is just absurd".

The New York Times

England may still but the regime's method, as they have said many times, is to give a player a game too many rather than one too few.

The Guardian - Sport

He is also inclined to give his players one too many Tests rather one too few, a luxury more likely to be granted in a winning side.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Mr. Wiedeking has said repeatedly that it is "preferable to build one car too few than one too many".

The New York Times

Yes, the houses are a bit ordinary (and on one terrace they seem to have one window too few) but some of the detail lifts them – the outsize chimneys, the different-textured roof tiles, the wood and metal porches in which two bicycles can be (and are) parked.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Kelly's book takes its first epigraph from Peter Cook's famous sketch "One Leg Too Few", about the one-legged actor who applies for the role of Tarzan.

The Guardian - Books

This had the classic sketch, One Leg Too Few, about a one-legged actor (a part that was brazenly tackled by Moore) auditioning to play the part of Tarzan.

The Guardian

Being able to bid on "bundles" clearly mitigates the exposure problem, which arises when one gains too few or too many of the items desired, since it gives the participants the option to bid their precise valuations for any collection of items they desire.

European Transport Research Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one too few" to emphasize a deficit, especially when contrasting it with having "one too many" of something else.

Common error

Avoid using "one too few" when you simply mean 'not enough'. The phrase is most effective when it implies a balance or comparison, like 'one too many' versus "one too few".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one too few" primarily functions as a quantifying adjective modifying a noun, indicating a specific deficiency of one unit. As Ludwig AI indicates, this emphasizes a lack or shortage, often in comparison to an expected or desired amount.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one too few" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon way to express a specific shortage or deficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most effective when contrasting with an expected or desired amount, or with having "one too many". Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal contexts. To avoid misuse, remember that "one too few" implies a comparison and not simply a general lack. Alternatives like "not enough" or "insufficient number" may be more appropriate depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one short

A concise way of saying that one unit is missing.

not enough

A more general expression of inadequacy.

one missing

Directly states that something is absent.

insufficient number

Focuses on the quantity being inadequate.

a shortage of

Highlights the lack or deficit of something.

less than needed

General expression that there is a deficit.

lacking one

Emphasizes the absence of a single unit.

deficient by one

More formal and precise in indicating the deficiency.

under the required amount

Indicates a failure to meet a specific target or need.

inadequate quantity

Highlights the insufficient amount in a formal style.

FAQs

How do I use "one too few" in a sentence?

Use "one too few" to indicate that there is a shortage of something, usually in comparison to a desired or expected amount. For example, "There were "one too few chairs" at the meeting".

What can I say instead of "one too few"?

Alternatives include "insufficient number", "not enough", or "a shortage of", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "one too few" and "not enough"?

"One too few" implies a specific deficiency of one unit, whereas "not enough" is a more general expression indicating that the quantity is insufficient. "One too few" often suggests a comparison, such as having "one too many" of something else.

Is it ever appropriate to use "one less" instead of "one too few"?

While "one less" can sometimes be used, "one too few" emphasizes a shortage or a lack of what is needed. "One less" simply indicates a reduction in number. The better phrase depends on the specific context.