only one observation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only one observation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a single remark, comment, or finding in a discussion or analysis. Example: "After reviewing the data, I have only one observation that stands out: the significant increase in sales during the holiday season."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

In the early 1990's, the state climate office had only one observation station of its own and relied on data from four dozen stations operated by the National Weather Service, the majority of which reported once a day.

The New York Times

For particular situations, where only one observation is available per individual, we derive optimal designs based on the geometry of the design locus.

Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference

I disagree with only one observation you make, and that's that our society is based on competition rather than altruism.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It has to be the entire country, which greatly increases the cost of the study". That means that the equivalent of an entire experiment in many other studies constitutes only one observation in this study.

Harvard University

Sample is identical to Table 5B, dropping Tibet which has only one observation.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

No observations included a mathematics focus, while only one observation showed a mathematics and engineering combination.

International Journal of STEM Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

If I only have 100 observations and I'm looking empirically at my tail, I've only got one observation out in the 1% tail.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I have only one critical observation: the study anticipates an unrealistically quick expansion of wind energy.

The Guardian

The NNRI is chosen because of its simplicity, as it employs only one nonuniform observation for each resampled one.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Only one PASI observation was simulated per subject.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

Three sets of data were generated from three biologic replicate experiments; if there were only one valid observation for a gene within a condition, that datum was disregarded for analysis.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only one observation" in research or analysis, clearly state the limitations this single data point imposes on your conclusions. Acknowledge the need for further investigation or data collection.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions or making sweeping statements based on "only one observation". Ensure your analysis reflects the limited scope of the available data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only one observation" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun. It specifies that there is a single instance of something being observed or noted. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

71%

News & Media

19%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "only one observation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates a singular data point or instance. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and appropriate for various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and academic writings, it highlights limitations or unique occurrences. To ensure clarity and accuracy, acknowledge the constraints and avoid overgeneralizing when presenting results based on "only one observation". Alternatives such as "a single observation" or "just one instance" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a singular observation

Emphasizes the uniqueness or isolation of the observation.

just a single observation

Adds a sense of limitation or simplicity to the observation.

merely one observation

Highlights the scarcity or insufficiency of the observation.

one solitary observation

Stresses the isolated nature of the observation.

a unique observation

Focuses on the distinctiveness of the single observation.

a lone observation

Conveys a sense of being the only one of its kind.

a single instance observed

Formal and emphasizes the act of observing the instance.

one instance noticed

Simple change in wording to emphasize the act of noticing.

a sole observation recorded

Adds a formal tone with the word "sole" and emphasizes documentation.

one isolated instance

Focuses on the separation of the instance from others.

FAQs

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

You can use "only one observation" to indicate a limitation or a unique instance, such as, "Due to time constraints, we have "only one observation" for each participant in this preliminary study".

What does it imply when there is "only one observation" in a dataset?

Having "only one observation" often means that statistical analysis is limited, and it might not be possible to draw statistically significant conclusions without additional data.

What are some alternatives to saying "only one observation"?

You could use phrases like "a single data point", "a unique observation", or "just one instance" depending on the specific context.

How does having "only one observation" affect the reliability of research findings?

Having "only one observation" significantly reduces the reliability of research findings because it limits the ability to assess variability or consistency. It increases the risk of drawing inaccurate or biased conclusions.