only one remained

USAGE SUMMARY

"only one remained" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but typically refers to a situation where multiple things or people were present, but now only one is left. Example: After the storm passed, only one house remained standing in the entire neighborhood.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

I had ticked off all the excuses on my list until only one remained: actually losing a job because of drink.

The Guardian - Books

By the end of the evening, only one remained alight, and even that was snuffed before he departed, leaving us in the dark.

The New Yorker

He rushed into the north tower and helped people down, but when he emerged to get a new respirator, only one remained, his partner recalled.

The New York Times

The names were removed from the hat one by one until only one remained: Eric Cantona, Manchester United's superstar striker, who was now £16,000 richer.

The Guardian - Sport

Among the nine variables of the MOCART scoring system, only one remained unchanged over time: the surface of the repair tissue.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

The combination of SNP2-SNP7 was the only one remained significant after Bonferroni correction (Pcorr = 0.0052).

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Now the Camanelli dance empire has dwindled to a a single Astaire franchise, the only one remaining on Long Island, with a 2,500-square-foot 2,500-square-foot 2,500-square-footve the CompUSA near Roosevelt Fieldance

The New York Times

I recognise that sense of isolation, of being the only one remaining from the dozens that embarked on the same path.

The Guardian

Yesterday the shares slumped on disappointment about possible bids for the company, with only one remaining predator seemingly still in the fray.

The Guardian - Business

The York is the only one remaining.

The New York Times

There was only one remaining obstacle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only one remained" to emphasize a final state after a series of reductions or eliminations. This phrase works well when highlighting scarcity or the result of a selection process.

Common error

Avoid using "only one remained" when referring to a subject that was never plural to begin with. This phrase implies a reduction from a larger number, so ensure the context reflects that.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only one remained" functions as a concise declarative statement. It typically serves as a predicate within a sentence, describing the outcome of a selection or elimination process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides diverse examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only one remained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that a singular entity is left after others have been eliminated, reduced, or ceased to exist. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans from news and media to scientific contexts, demonstrating its versatility. While primarily functioning as a predicate, this phrase serves the communicative purpose of emphasizing the finality and singularity of the remaining item or individual, often implying a process of selection or survival. For alternative expressions, one can use phrases like "just one was left" or "the last one standing".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just one was left

Replaces "only" with "just", slightly emphasizing the singularity.

the last one standing

Implies a competition or elimination process.

a single one persisted

Uses "persisted" to emphasize the duration of the remaining entity.

one alone survived

Emphasizes the solitude and survival of the remaining one.

but one endured

Uses "endured" to highlight resilience or lasting quality.

sole survivor

A more dramatic term emphasizing survival after a loss.

just a solitary figure remained

Emphasizes isolation by including "solitary figure".

only a single entity was extant

More formal and scientific vocabulary for "remained".

merely one was extant

More formal way to say that only one was alive.

one unit remained operational

Suitable in technical or mechanical contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "only one remained" to indicate that after a series of events, only a single item or person was left. For example: "After the competition, "only one remained" standing."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "just one was left", "sole survivor", or "the last one standing", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "only one remain"?

No, it's not grammatically correct. The correct form is ""only one remained"" because it refers to a past event where a reduction has already occurred. "Remain" is the present tense, while "remained" is the past tense.

What does "only one remained" imply?

It implies that there were multiple items or individuals initially, but due to certain events or circumstances, all but one have been eliminated or are no longer present. It highlights the finality and singularity of what is left.