only one person

USAGE SUMMARY

"only one person" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a single individual in a greater group of people. For example: "Only one person was brave enough to stand up and speak out against the injustice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only one person per household could participate.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Only one person survived.

The New York Times

Only one person responded.

The New Yorker

Only one person offered input.

The Washington Post

Miraculously only one person died.

The Guardian - Arts

"I am only one person".

The New York Times

Only one person was spared.

The Guardian

Only one person heard it.

The New York Times - Sports

"Only one person is dead.

The New York Times

Only one person does the milking.

Cornell University

Still, Mandela was only one person.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only one person" when you want to emphasize the singularity or exclusivity of an individual in a specific context. For instance, "Only one person knew the secret recipe."

Common error

Avoid using "only one person" to describe a subject that is plural or compound. It's incorrect to say, "Only one person, John and Mary, attended." Instead, clarify who the single person is or revise the sentence to accurately reflect the number of people involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only one person" primarily functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, specifying that a certain attribute, action, or condition is limited to a single individual. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show the phrase used in various contexts to highlight this singularity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "only one person" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a singular individual in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. As demonstrated by the examples, it's versatile across various domains, including news, scientific research, and academic discussions. While "only one person" is generally neutral in tone, related phrases such as "solely one person" or "merely one person" can add nuances of exclusivity or insignificance, respectively. When using "only one person", ensure the subject is indeed singular to avoid grammatical errors. Understanding these aspects will help you effectively and accurately use the phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely one person

Emphasizes that only one person is involved, excluding all others.

one single person

Adds emphasis through the repetition of "single".

just a single individual

Replaces "only one" with "just a single", emphasizing the individual's solitude.

exactly one individual

Adds a sense of precision and formality.

merely one person

Uses "merely" to downplay the person's significance or impact.

a lone individual

Conveys a sense of isolation or being apart from others.

not a soul

Uses a more emphatic, informal way of saying no one.

one and only person

Adds a sense of uniqueness and importance.

unique person

Focuses more on the singularity and uncommon attributes of someone.

just one soul

Replaces person with soul, adding a spiritual nuance.

FAQs

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

Use "only one person" to emphasize that a specific action, characteristic, or piece of information applies solely to a single individual. For example, "Only one person was selected for the scholarship".

What is a more formal alternative to "only one person"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "a single individual" or "just a single individual". These options offer a more sophisticated and precise way to convey the same meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "only one person"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "only one person". It correctly identifies a singular subject, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

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

While both phrases are similar, "only one person" often carries a stronger emphasis on exclusivity, whereas "just one person" may simply indicate a small number or a lack of others.