single person

USAGE SUMMARY

"single person" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used as a noun phrase to refer to an individual who is not in a romantic relationship or is not married. It can also be used to describe someone who is not part of a larger group or community. Here are two examples of how it can be used in a sentence: 1. "After my divorce, I learned to enjoy the freedom of being a single person again." 2. "The job application requires you to list your marital status, and one of the options is 'single person'."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a single person?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One single person.

The New York Times

Every single person jaywalks.

The New York Times

Not any single person".

The New York Times - Sports

Not a single person was arrested.

The Economist

Much depends on a single person.

The New York Times

"Every single person was laughing at me.

The New Yorker

"We've never shocked a single person".

The New York Times

Every single person with MS is different.

Independent

Every single person in Kurdistan knows this".

The New Yorker

"We didn't find one single person.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about relationship status, "single person" is a clear and direct way to describe someone who is not married or in a committed relationship. Ensure the context doesn't require more specific terms like "unmarried" or "divorced".

Common error

Be mindful of the context. Using "single person" might sometimes be confused with "only person" which indicates the sole individual, rather than marital status. Ensure your wording clearly conveys the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "single person" primarily functions as a noun phrase, identifying an individual who is not in a relationship or married. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability, demonstrated through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "single person" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an individual who is not in a relationship or married. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. While its register is neutral, it's important to consider context and avoid ambiguity with similar-sounding phrases. Consider alternatives like "unmarried individual" or "lone individual" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Its primary function is to inform about relationship status, making it a versatile and useful phrase in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one person

A more general term referring to a single human being.

unmarried individual

Focuses specifically on marital status.

an individual

A general term for one person, irrespective of relationship status.

lone individual

Emphasizes solitude or being alone.

solitary being

Highlights the state of being alone and independent.

a person on their own

Highlights independence and self-reliance.

individual living alone

Describes the living situation of the person.

an unaccompanied person

Emphasizes the lack of companionship.

an only person

Focuses on being the sole person involved.

a self-reliant individual

Focuses on the individual's ability to take care of themselves.

FAQs

How do I use "single person" in a sentence?

You can use "single person" to describe someone who is not in a romantic relationship or is living alone. For example: "As a "single person", I enjoy the freedom to travel whenever I want."

What are some alternatives to "single person"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "unmarried individual", "lone individual", or "solitary being".

Is it better to say "single individual" or "single person"?

"Single individual" and "single person" are largely interchangeable. "Single person" is slightly more common and informal, while "single individual" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

Can "single person" refer to someone who is divorced or widowed?

Yes, "single person" can broadly refer to anyone who is not currently married, including those who are divorced or widowed. However, specifying "divorced person" or "widowed person" provides more clarity about their previous marital status.