single author

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "single author" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a work, such as a book or article, that is written by one individual rather than multiple authors. Example: "The research paper was published with a single author, highlighting the unique perspective of the writer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Single author blogs are already exempt.

The Guardian

To begin with, there's no single author.

Britannica

"No single author, however devious, can compete with the whole community.

The Guardian - Books

He's not the product, not any more, of a single author.

The Guardian - Books

But, to my surprise, Google didn't name an author no single author, anyway.

The New Yorker

It has no single author; it's been written collaboratively by scientists over the past few centuries.

The New Yorker

And most can trace the inspirations for their own writing back to a single author.

The Guardian

Something more like an oral history than the work of a single author.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's relatively easy in New York, where obscure revivals and single-author marathon seasons are common.

The New York Times

Fig. 10 Number of single-author papers by year.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Both types of theses (single-author paper or extended single-author version of the multiple-author paper) must be submitted in the required University-standard format.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity is paramount, use "single author" to unambiguously indicate that a work has only one author, especially in contexts where collaboration is common.

Common error

Avoid using "single author" when you actually mean "first author" or "corresponding author", particularly in academic publications where these roles have specific meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "single author" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun (e.g., paper, study, book) to indicate that the work has only one author. Ludwig examples show its use across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

27%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "single author" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe a work created by one individual. Ludwig's analysis confirms its acceptability and frequent appearance in scientific, academic, and news contexts. While alternatives like "sole author" and "lone author" exist, they carry slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, it's important to distinguish it from terms like "first author", which denotes the primary contributor in a collaborative effort. Understanding the specific context is crucial for accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sole author

Replaces "single" with "sole", emphasizing the exclusivity of authorship.

lone author

Emphasizes the solitary nature of the authorship.

individual author

Highlights that the author is one distinct person.

solo author

A more informal synonym for "single author".

independent author

Stresses the author's autonomy in creating the work.

first author

Indicates the primary author, often used in academic contexts.

primary author

Similar to "first author", highlighting the main contributor.

lead author

Used when one author takes the leading role in a collaborative work.

principal author

Indicates the author with the most significant contribution.

one author

A simple and direct alternative, less formal than "single author".

FAQs

What's the difference between "single author" and "sole author"?

While both phrases indicate that a work has only one author, "sole author" emphasizes the exclusivity of the authorship, suggesting that no one else contributed.

When should I use "single author" versus "first author"?

"Single author" should be used when there is only one author of a work. "First author" is used in collaborative works to denote the primary author or the one who contributed the most.

What are some alternatives to saying "single author"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "lone author", "individual author", or simply "one author".

Is it grammatically correct to use "single author"?

Yes, the phrase "single author" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig.