only one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the uniqueness or singularity of something in a given context. Example: "There is only one solution to this problem that will satisfy all parties involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Only one can die.

WikiHow

There's only one Manya!

The New York Times

Only one bit each.

The Guardian

There's only one guy".

The New York Times

Only one hobbit.

The New Yorker

There's only one bloke.

Independent

Only one J.

The New Yorker

That's only one example.

The New Yorker

He's the only one".

The New York Times - Sports

Small — only one seat.

The New Yorker

There's only one place.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only one" to clearly indicate a singular item or instance when precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "only one" when referring to multiple items. Ensure that the noun following "only one" is singular.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only one" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, specifying a singular and exclusive instance. It indicates that there is just one of something, excluding all others. Ludwig examples show diverse application across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

10%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only one" is a grammatically sound and very common way to indicate a singular and exclusive instance. According to Ludwig, it functions as a determiner phrase, primarily used to emphasize uniqueness or exclusivity. It maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for various contexts, as evidenced by its frequent use in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. When using "only one", be sure to avoid using it with plural nouns. For alternatives, you could use phrases such as "just one" or "a single one".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just one

Replaces "only" with "just", offering a slightly more casual tone.

a single one

Emphasizes the singularity with the addition of "single".

one and only

Adds emphasis on the uniqueness and special nature.

solely one

Uses "solely" to highlight the exclusivity of the instance.

exclusively one

Highlights that there are no others.

uniquely one

Focuses on the distinctiveness of the instance.

one exclusive

Reorders the words to put the emphasis on exclusivity

precisely one

Highlights the exactness.

specifically one

Highlights that it's that one in particular and no others.

particularly one

Highlights that it's that one in particular and no others.

FAQs

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

You can use "only one" to emphasize the singularity of something. For example, "There is "only one" solution to this problem" or "Only one person can win the prize".

What are some alternatives to "only one"?

Alternatives include phrases like "just one", "a single one", or "the sole one". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "only one of them are"?

No, it's grammatically incorrect. Since "only one" is singular, the correct form is "only one of them is". You should use a singular verb.

What's the difference between "only one" and "the only one"?

"Only one" emphasizes that there is just one instance, while "the only one" specifies that a particular instance is the single existing one. For example, "Only one person can win" means just one person will win. "He's "the only one" who can help" means he is the single person capable of helping.