one-time transaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one-time transaction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a transaction that occurs only once and is not intended to be repeated. Example: "The customer opted for a one-time transaction instead of setting up a recurring payment plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Because such loans are a continuing relationship, not a one-time transaction like a stock purchase, lending rates may vary based on such things as service and willingness to avoid calling loans.

The New York Times

In accounting terms, it's what's called capital expenditure and maintenance -- not a one-time transaction, but a periodic expense from which I realize a return on my investment.

Huffington Post

On average, the price is about $25 per 1,000 miles, plus 7.5percentt federal excise tax and in most cases a one-time transaction fee, usually $25.

The New York Times - Travel

King, which has built its business by buying drug lines from manufacturers and aggressively marketing them, said the purchase would add to profit as soon as the deal closed, excluding one-time transaction expenses.

The New York Times

One-time transaction fees would be for such special services as setting up an offshore account, creating a trust or a complex tax shelter or buying real estate.

Forbes

With more value placed in the customer and partner relationship than in the one-time transaction, what is valued will dramatically shift in the next 10 years.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Relying on the sale of assets and other one-time transactions is also not the answer.

The New York Times

Attempts to plug budget holes with one-time transactions are giving way to other approaches, Mr. Stanton said.

The New York Times

Profits and losses generated by one-time transactions have accounted for an unusually large -- and varying -- chunk of operating profit before taxes.

The New York Times

Mr. Moynihan defended Bank of America's capital position, saying that adjusted for certain one-time transactions, the bank's tier 1 common ratio is back to where it was in the first quarter of this year.

The New York Times

Publishers had been pushing for better terms and sharing of customer information, because they would be selling continuing subscriptions instead of one-time transactions, like an individual song or an album.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing a contrast with ongoing or recurring activities, use "one-time transaction" to clearly indicate the isolated nature of the event. This clarifies the scope and expectations around the interaction.

Common error

Avoid using "one-time transaction" when referring to situations that establish a continuing relationship or investment. Use it only when the interaction is truly isolated and doesn't imply future engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one-time transaction" functions as a noun phrase, where "one-time" modifies "transaction". It describes a specific type of transaction characterized by its non-recurring nature. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes an activity that occurs only once.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "one-time transaction" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a singular, non-recurring business exchange. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's most frequently encountered in news and media, but also appears in science and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the isolated nature of the interaction, avoiding confusion with long-term investments or recurring agreements. Alternatives like "single transaction" or "isolated transaction" can provide similar clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

single transaction

Emphasizes the singularity of the transaction, implying it's not recurring.

one-off transaction

A more informal synonym, common in British English, for a single, isolated event.

non-recurring transaction

Directly states that the transaction does not happen repeatedly.

singular transaction

Highlights the one-and-only nature of the transaction.

isolated transaction

Highlights the separation from any ongoing relationship or series of events.

unique transaction

Focuses on the distinct and individual nature of the transaction.

one-time deal

Replaces "transaction" with "deal", framing it as a specific agreement.

sporadic transaction

Suggests the transaction occurs irregularly and infrequently.

occasional transaction

Similar to sporadic, implying it happens now and then but not regularly.

limited transaction

Emphasizes the restricted scope and single instance of the transaction.

FAQs

What does "one-time transaction" mean?

A "one-time transaction" refers to a business exchange that happens only once and is not part of an ongoing series of transactions or a recurring agreement.

What can I say instead of "one-time transaction"?

You can use alternatives like "single transaction", "isolated transaction", or "one-off transaction" depending on the context.

Is "one-time transaction" the same as "recurring payment"?

No, a "one-time transaction" is a single payment, whereas a recurring payment is a payment that occurs regularly, such as monthly or annually. They are opposite concepts.

How is a "one-time transaction" different from a subscription?

A "one-time transaction" involves a single exchange of goods or services for payment. A subscription, on the other hand, establishes an ongoing agreement where the customer receives regular access to goods or services in exchange for periodic payments.