only one table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only one table" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a singular table in a context where the number of tables is relevant. Example: "In the entire room, there was only one table available for use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

For a chef used to a hectic high-end kitchen, cooking for 12 is a doddle (booking up a year in advance, in fact, happens quickly when there's only one table on offer).

The New York Times - Magazine

In the casino's last hour, only one table is open.

The Washington Post

You have to stand at a bar to eat the chops: there is only one table.

The Guardian - Travel

Anyah reminds the court that Campbell said there was only one table.

The Guardian

The Viking was busy, with only one table available near the fire.

The New York Times - Travel

When we arrived, only one table was occupied and there was no sign of any special festivity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

It saves just one table with only five parameters that represent the transmissions of each node.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Most items had high loadings on only one factor (Table 4).

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

There's only one communal table inside and picnic tables outside, so fancy this place is not.

Huffington Post

The wager on The Star is not the only one on the table.

The New York Times

Downing Street contends that its Chequers plan is the "only one on the table" which can deliver Brexit while avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location or event, use "only one table" to emphasize limited availability or exclusivity. For example, "The restaurant had only one table left, creating a sense of urgency for patrons."

Common error

Avoid using "only one table" when the number of tables is not the main point. If the focus is on the table itself, rather than its singularity, a simpler phrase like "the table" or "a table" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only one table" functions primarily as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun. It specifies the quantity of the noun 'table', indicating there is just a single table. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase’s correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

33%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "only one table" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to emphasize the singularity or scarcity of a table. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific articles, although it leans towards a neutral to informal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the limited number of tables is indeed the central point of information. Alternatives such as "just a single table" or "a solitary table" can add subtle nuances to your writing. Remember, focusing on the table itself rather than its quantity might sometimes require a simpler descriptor like "a table" or "the table".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a single table

Replaces "only one" with "just a single" to emphasize the scarcity.

a solitary table

Uses "solitary" to highlight the isolated nature of the table.

one table only

Inverts the order for emphasis.

a single table available

Specifies that the single table is available.

exclusively one table

Emphasizes exclusivity through different wording.

uniquely one table

Highlights the uniqueness implied by there being only one table.

solely one table

Substitutes "only" with "solely" to reinforce the idea of singularity.

just one table present

Adds the word "present" for clarity, especially when context might imply others are absent.

there's but one table

Uses archaic language to indicate scarcity.

one and no other table

Emphasizes the singularity by stating there is no other.

FAQs

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

Use "only one table" to highlight scarcity or exclusivity. For example: "Due to renovations, there was "only one table" available at the restaurant."

What are some alternatives to "only one table"?

Alternatives include "just a single table", "a solitary table", or "a single table available", depending on the context and the desired emphasis.

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

Yes, "only one table" is grammatically correct and widely used to indicate that there is just one table available or present.

When should I use "only one table" versus "a table"?

Use "only one table" when you want to emphasize the limited number of tables. If the quantity is not important, use "a table".