single-use

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'single-use' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a product, especially plastic or paper items, that is designed to be used only once before being discarded. For example, "Many cities have banned the sale of single-use plastic bags in an effort to reduce the amount of plastic waste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Also, consider a "single-use" credit card.

The Economist

People treat tents as single-use items.

The Guardian - Music

The Kenwood uses only single-use batteries.

The New York Times - Tech

The scheme covers all single-use bags, including paper ones.

The Guardian

"However they are also the ultimate single-use material.

The Guardian - Business

"Rail is smart," he said, "but again it's single-use.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"Talk about single use!" he said.

The New York Times

AWOL, £149 for single use machine, awolspirit.com.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Double or twin rooms are for single use.

The Guardian - Travel

Single use, means single use.

TechCrunch

from each breast in a single use.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental concerns, use "single-use" to specifically highlight the problem of waste generated by items designed for only one application.

Common error

Avoid using "single-use" when "disposable" or "temporary" more accurately reflects the item's characteristics. "Single-use" specifically implies a design intended for only one instance of use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "single-use" primarily functions as a compound adjective to describe nouns, indicating that an item is designed for only one instance of use. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a standard and acceptable English phrase. For example, "single-use plastic bags" Ludwig confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "single-use" is a grammatically sound and widely used term, as confirmed by Ludwig, primarily functioning as an adjective to describe items designed for only one use. It is commonly used in discussions related to environmental impact, product design, and waste management. While appearing across various registers, it’s most prevalent in News & Media and Scientific contexts, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employing the term. When using "single-use", ensure it accurately reflects the item's intended lifespan, and consider alternatives like "disposable" or "temporary" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disposable

Focuses on the discardable nature of the item, emphasizing its intended short lifespan.

one-time use

Highlights the limitation to a single instance of utilization.

throwaway

Emphasizes the item's lack of value after its initial purpose is served.

non-reusable

Directly states the inability to use the item again.

one-off

Suggests something done or made only once, particularly in application or design.

temporary

Highlights the short-term nature of the item's function or existence.

limited-use

Indicates a restriction on the number of times an item can be used, often implying a very small number.

single-application

Focuses on the item's suitability for only one specific task or purpose.

use-and-discard

Emphasizes the complete lifecycle from initial use to disposal.

non-durable

Underlines the lack of lasting quality or resilience, making it suitable for only one use.

FAQs

How can I use "single-use" in a sentence?

You can use "single-use" to describe items meant for one-time use, such as "Many cities are banning "single-use plastic bags" to reduce waste".

What are some alternatives to "single-use"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "disposable", "one-time use", or "non-reusable" as alternatives to "single-use".

Is it correct to hyphenate "single use"?

When used as a compound adjective before a noun, "single-use" should be hyphenated. For example, "single-use container". Otherwise, "single use" (without the hyphen) may be used.

What's the impact of "single-use" items on the environment?

Single-use items, especially plastics, contribute significantly to pollution and waste due to their short lifespan and difficulty in recycling. Reducing our reliance on "single-use items" is crucial for environmental sustainability.