single seating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "single seating" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to a seating arrangement designed for one person or a situation where only one person is accommodated. An example would be: "The restaurant offers single seating for those dining alone." Alternative expressions include "individual seating" and "solo seating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

When the esteemed French chef Alain Ducasse opens his first American outpost, in the Essex House early this summer, he will adhere to the three-star Michelin amenity of a single seating.

The New York Times - Food

In cinemas, Raúl Ruiz's epic swansong Mysteries of Lisbon (2010, New Wave, PG) presented something of a challenge to those who did not have four-and-a-half hours to spare at a single seating.

The Guardian - Film

There will be a single seating, at 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, for a meal that Mr. Kirschen-Clark described as "like what Brooklyn Fare does," referring to Cesár Ramirez's restaurant in a kitchen in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, which has won three Michelin stars.

The New York Times

IF the measure of the great American novel is whether thousands of people will pay to watch a staged reading of its every word in a single seating, interrupted only by a meal and maybe a sipped Manhattan or six, then Jonathan Whatshisname's latest doorstopper is not your book.

The New York Times

With so few seats available and just a single seating each night, spots are at a premium.

Forbes

Meals are served at a single seating, with passengers sitting where and with whom they choose.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It was not defending a single seat.

The Economist

We have won a single seat.

Independent

All the wrangling failed to change a single seat.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not a single seat went to the Brothers.

The Economist

(The three single seats, across the aisle, faced forward).

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing dining experiences, use "single seating" to clearly communicate a specific and exclusive service where all guests are seated at the same time. This helps set expectations for the dining schedule.

Common error

Avoid using "single seating" when you simply mean that there is only one seat left. "Single seating" refers to a restaurant or event scheduling all guests to be seated concurrently, not just an indication of remaining seats.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "single seating" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a particular arrangement or schedule, particularly in the context of dining or events. It indicates that all attendees are seated simultaneously, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "single seating" is a noun phrase that describes a specific seating arrangement, most commonly used in the context of dining or events where all attendees are seated at the same time. While grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media sources, it is not extremely frequent. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is useful for conveying a sense of exclusivity or planned coordination. Remember that this differs from simply having one seat available. Consider alternatives like "individual seating arrangement" or "fixed time seating" based on the context. Using "single seating" correctly helps set clear expectations and avoid confusion regarding availability versus seating schedules.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solo seating

This uses a synonym for "single", maintaining a similar tone and meaning.

one seating only

This stresses the limitation to a single seating opportunity.

individual seating arrangement

This alternative emphasizes the arrangement aspect and uses "individual" for clarity.

only one seating available

This phrase emphasizes availability and uses an active voice.

one-person seating

This option specifies the capacity directly, making it very explicit.

fixed time seating

This emphasizes that there is only one seating at a particular time.

designated seating time

This specifies a certain time for one seating.

unique seating time

This highlights the unicity of the seating.

seating at a fixed hour

This specifies one single seating at a fixed hour.

exclusive seating

Implies limited availability or a special seating arrangement, shifting the focus slightly to exclusivity.

FAQs

How is "single seating" used in restaurants?

"Single seating" in restaurants refers to a dining setup where all guests are seated and served at the same time, often for a set menu or special event. This differs from regular service where guests arrive and are seated at various times.

What does "one seating only" mean?

"One seating only" is similar to "single seating" and indicates that a venue or event has only one designated time for seating all attendees or diners. You can use "single seating" in order to say the same thing.

Is "single seating" appropriate for describing movie theaters?

While less common, "single seating" can describe a movie theater if all attendees are admitted and seated at the same designated time, particularly for special screenings or events. However, it's more frequently associated with dining.

What are some alternatives to "single seating"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "single seating" include "individual seating arrangement", "one-person seating", or "fixed time seating".