one word

USAGE SUMMARY

"one word" can be used in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a single word or phrase. For example, "He said 'No'—one word, yet so powerful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One word: Zorbs.

The New York Times

One word: Hangover.

Independent

One word: concentration.

The New Yorker

One word stood out.

The New York Times

One word: Freedom.

The New York Times

One word: performance.

The New York Times

(One word: "Gigli").

The New York Times

One word: efficiency.

The New York Times

One word: McBeets.

The New York Times

One word: ew.

The New Yorker

One word: Tiananmen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one word" to introduce a concise summary or highlight a key concept. This can be effective in both formal and informal writing to emphasize a point.

Common error

Avoid using "one word" excessively, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Opt for synonyms like "in short" or "briefly stated" to vary your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one word" functions as an introductory element, often followed by a colon or dash, to emphasize a single word or concept. It sets up a concise explanation, aligning with Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one word" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce or emphasize a single, impactful word. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to highlight a key concept, provide a succinct answer, or summarize a complex idea. Its versatility allows for use in various contexts, predominantly in news and media, academia, and formal business settings. While useful, overuse can diminish its impact, so strategic and varied usage is recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

single word

Directly emphasizes the use of only one word, functioning as a synonym in some contexts.

in a word

This alternative provides a classic and concise way to summarize something using a single word.

to sum it up

This phrase offers a broader way to encapsulate an idea, while still aiming for brevity.

in short

Similar to "to sum it up", this emphasizes conciseness in expressing a thought.

put simply

This shifts the focus to clarity and ease of understanding, which can sometimes be achieved with a single word.

to be brief

Signals an intention to keep the explanation short, often using a single impactful word.

briefly stated

Focuses on the act of stating something quickly and succinctly, potentially through a single word.

in a nutshell

Similar to "in short", offering a way to provide a condensed version of information.

in essence

Highlights the core meaning or central idea, which can sometimes be captured by a single word.

essentially

Points to the fundamental nature or key aspect, potentially expressed through a single impactful word.

FAQs

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

You can use "one word" to introduce a summary, such as, "The key to success? "One word": perseverance." It's also used to describe something concise.

What's a good alternative to using "one word"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in short", "to summarize", or "briefly stated", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "one word"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Starting a sentence with "one word" is a stylistic choice often used for emphasis or to create a dramatic effect.

When is it appropriate to use "one word" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "one word" when you want to highlight a single concept or offer a concise summary. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but use it sparingly to maintain its impact.