one-off

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "one-off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a single occurrence or event, or to describe something that is done or made only once. Example sentence: The restaurant is offering a one-off special on specialty dishes this weekend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Click on Create One-Off Event.

WikiHow

He's a real one-off".

Independent

He was a one-off".

BBC

This isn't a one-off".

Independent

There are fine one-off observations, too.

The New York Times - Books

This was not just a one-off".

The New York Times

"He's a one-off special person.

Independent

Other one-off shocks are likely.

The Economist

But it was not a one-off.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

You can't write this one off.

The New York Times - Books

"Cross that one off".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one-off" to emphasize the unique or non-repeatable nature of an event or item. This highlights its special character or lack of precedent.

Common error

Avoid using "one-off" when describing recurring events or regular processes. This term specifically denotes something that happens only once.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one-off" functions primarily as an adjective to describe something that is done or happens only once. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as shown in numerous examples where it modifies nouns like 'event', 'payment', or 'special'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one-off" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that occurs only once, highlighting its unique and non-recurring nature. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like ""single occurrence"" or ""unique event"" may be preferable in highly formal writing, "one-off" is generally acceptable and widely understood. It's important to avoid using "one-off" to describe recurring events, as this would be a misuse of the term. Use "one-off" to emphasize the singularity of an event or item.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

single occurrence

Focuses on the singularity of the event without necessarily implying uniqueness or specialness.

isolated instance

Highlights the separation of the event from any pattern or series.

unique event

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and special nature of the event.

exceptional case

Suggests the event deviates from the norm and is unusual.

singular occasion

Highlights the infrequency and possible importance of the event.

non-recurring event

Explicitly states that the event is not expected to happen again.

unprecedented situation

Implies that there is no prior example of the event.

standalone incident

Focuses on the independence of the event from any related circumstances.

isolated example

Similar to isolated instance, but often used when referring to an illustrative case.

rare phenomenon

Suggests that the event is uncommon and noteworthy.

FAQs

How can I use "one-off" in a sentence?

You can use "one-off" to describe a single occurrence, like in "The concert was a "unique event"" or "The government provided a "single occurrence" payment to help families."

What can I say instead of "one-off"?

You can use alternatives like ""single occurrence"", ""unique event"", or "isolated instance" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "one-off" in formal writing?

While "one-off" is generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, you might prefer alternatives like ""single occurrence"" or "isolated instance" to maintain a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "one-off" and "unique"?

"One-off" specifically implies that something happens only once, whereas "unique" means that something is the only one of its kind. A "one-off" event might also be unique, but not all unique things are "one-off".