single

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "single" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to one item, individual, or unit, often in contexts like relationships, products, or categories. Example: "She decided to remain single for a while to focus on her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"All the people who form those relations to me make up my community and you assaulted every single one of them".

The Guardian

Among the last set of polls, three showed the main parties level-pegging, three had the Conservatives in front by a single point and one gave Labour a two-point advantage.

The Guardian

I knew this was going to be a tough fight and we have run a really strong positive campaign and we have fought for every single vote".

The Guardian

"Every single one of them".

The New York Times - Sports

Clarke called on pro-Europeans to make the case for the EU more effectively as he called for the fulfilment of Margaret Thatcher's two key European ambitions – completing the single market and expanding the EU by admitting Turkey.

The Guardian

The federal appeals court in Atlanta ordered that the execution should be delayed for at least 30 days, while a Georgia court of appeals imposed its own stay to give the courts more time to consider the propriety of the single lethal injection as a method of killing.

The Guardian

The extended scope of the bill may follow some of the recommendations of the intelligence and security committee (ISC), which suggested in March that the entire existing surveillance legal framework should be replaced by a single new act of parliament.

The Guardian

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not a single one.

The New York Times

Nearby, the men had amassed a pile of ash-grey debris, from which a single pink high heel protruded.

The Guardian

Would a Women's Equality Party – campaigning on a single issue, gender equality – bloom, as they hope, in the way the Greens have from their one issue to all issues?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, "single" should be used to clearly indicate one instance or unit, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "single" interchangeably with "simple" or "easy". "Single" refers to being one in number or unmarried, while "simple" refers to being uncomplicated or straightforward. Make sure the context aligns with the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "single" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a state of being one in number, unmarried, or designed for individual use. Ludwig AI confirms its use across various contexts, mirroring the examples found in real-world writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Music

15%

Lifestyle

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "single" is a versatile term used mainly as an adjective to denote being one in number or unmarried. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread usage across various fields such as News & Media, Music, and Lifestyle. While generally neutral in tone, its specific meaning depends heavily on context. To ensure clarity, consider using synonyms like "unmarried" or "solitary" when appropriate. As Ludwig examples show, "single" is a fundamental word in English, useful for specifying quantities, relationships, or individual suitability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmarried

Focuses specifically on the marital status of a person.

unattached

Emphasizes the lack of a romantic relationship.

solitary

Highlights being alone or without company.

lone

Similar to solitary, but can also imply a feeling of being isolated.

one

Indicates a quantity of just one.

individual

Highlights the distinct and separate nature of something or someone.

sole

Emphasizes being the only one of its kind.

separate

Focuses on being distinct or not connected to others.

distinct

Similar to separate, but can imply a clearer difference.

particular

Highlights a specific instance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "single" in a sentence about relationship status?

You can say, "She has been "single" since her last relationship ended" or "He is a "single" parent raising two children".

What can I say instead of "single" to describe being alone?

Alternatives include "solitary", "lone", or "unaccompanied", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "single" and "alone"?

"Single" often refers to marital or relationship status, while "alone" generally describes the state of being without company. You might be "single" but not feel "alone", and vice versa.

Is it appropriate to ask someone if they are "single"?

While it's a common question, consider the context and your relationship with the person. In some settings, it might be perceived as too personal or intrusive. A more casual approach could be, "Are you seeing anyone?" or wait for them to offer the information.