only one sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only one sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a limitation or requirement for a response or statement to be concise. Example: "Please summarize your thoughts in only one sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The 2004 decision included only one sentence on royalty rates, he said.

The New York Times - Tech

If all of scientific knowledge were destroyed and we had only one sentence that we could pass on to the next generation, what do you think that sentence would be?

The New York Times

A 95-page report produced after the coup by the State Department's inspector general on the American role during the Venezuelan crisis devoted only one sentence to warnings the United States made to Mr. Chávez about a possible plot.

The New York Times

This is only one sentence of many.

The New York Times

Paragraphs can be pages long, and contain only one sentence.

The Guardian - Books

Only one sentence in the novel attempts description - something anatomical.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

He was the only one sentenced to death.

The New York Times

One primary objective of the paper is to simplify the law so that only one sentencing framework applies to all offenders.

The Guardian

After six years in court, Hermine Braunsteiner Ryan, who married an American man after World War II, was the only one sentenced to life.

The New York Times

So far, Cory Batey is the only one sentenced, and he got 15 years in prison.

Huffington Post

A recent study of 179 killings by New York City police between 1999 and 2013 reported just three indictments and only one conviction, with no jail sentence.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When brevity is crucial, ensure that your key message is conveyed effectively within "only one sentence". Prioritize clarity and conciseness.

Common error

Avoid cramming too many ideas into "only one sentence". This can lead to confusion and make it difficult for the reader to grasp the core message. If necessary, break down complex thoughts into multiple sentences for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only one sentence" functions as an adjectival phrase, often used to modify nouns or clauses, specifying a limitation or restriction to a single sentence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only one sentence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to emphasize brevity or a restriction on sentence length. Ludwig AI analysis, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources, indicates that it is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific writing. While versatile, writers should ensure that the single sentence effectively conveys the intended message without sacrificing clarity. When brevity is paramount, prioritizing conciseness is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a single sentence

Replaces "only one" with "just a single", emphasizing the singularity.

merely one sentence

Substitutes "only" with "merely", highlighting the limited nature of the sentence.

a solitary sentence

Uses "solitary" to convey the idea of a single, isolated sentence.

one sentence alone

Adds "alone" to stress that there is only one sentence and nothing more.

a single sentence only

Reorders the words to emphasize "single" and reiterate the "only" aspect.

precisely one sentence

Employs "precisely" to denote exactness in the sentence count.

exactly one sentence

Uses "exactly" to emphasize that the quantity is limited to one sentence.

no more than one sentence

Highlights the upper limit, emphasizing that there cannot be more than one sentence.

at most, one sentence

Indicates a maximum limit of one sentence.

just one line

Replaces "sentence" with "line", implying a single line of text.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "only one sentence" in my writing?

Using "only one sentence" effectively requires careful planning. Start by identifying the core idea you want to convey, and then craft a sentence that encapsulates that idea concisely and clearly. Avoid unnecessary details or complex phrasing that can clutter the sentence.

What are some alternatives to using "only one sentence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "just a single sentence", "merely one sentence", or "a solitary sentence" to express the same idea with slightly different emphasis.

Is it always better to use "only one sentence" for clarity?

While brevity can enhance clarity, using "only one sentence" is not always the best approach. Complex ideas may require multiple sentences to ensure thorough understanding. The key is to strike a balance between conciseness and comprehensiveness.

When is it appropriate to use "only one sentence" in academic writing?

In academic writing, "only one sentence" can be effectively used in abstracts, summaries, or concluding statements where conciseness is valued. However, detailed explanations and analyses typically require more than one sentence to provide sufficient context and evidence.