the one remaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the one remaining' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that is the only one left from a group or collection. For example: "The one remaining flower in the garden was wilting in the summer heat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As the meeting continued, Reagan's attention was fixed on the one remaining cookie.

The New Yorker

High-throughput molecular biology and crystallography advances have placed an increasing demand on crystallization, the one remaining bottleneck in macromolecular crystallography.

Journal of Structural Biology

He made a beeline for a seat across the room and I scooted into the one remaining spot on the bench to the left of the door.

Huffington Post

In this study we focus on the influence of the one remaining model parameter which can be used to scale the obstacle strength of the grain boundary.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

As the final participants in the current series, GWAR was stuck with the one remaining song: Kansas' classic-rock radio gem "Carry On Wayward Son".

Huffington Post

Droopy's Scholes is the one remaining Irish-trained contender.

The Guardian - Sport

McKay also bowled a wide, and Gary Ballance survived the one remaining delivery.

The Guardian - Sport

Walker said "the one remaining concern is their long-term financial stability".

The New York Times - Sports

The vote for the one remaining lower house seat will be held later.

The New York Times

So the one remaining room with natural light and ventilation may be sufficient under the code.

The New York Times

Feigning foreign ignorance, I slipped into the one remaining orchestra seat in the third row.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the one remaining" to clearly indicate that only a single item or entity is left from a previously larger set. For example, "After the storm, the one remaining tree stood tall."

Common error

Avoid using "the one remaining" when referring to multiple items. It implies singularity, so ensure the noun it modifies is singular. For instance, instead of "the one remaining problems", say "the one remaining problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the one remaining" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It pinpoints a single entity that persists from a group where others have been removed or ceased to exist. Ludwig shows that it is often used to emphasize that nothing else is left.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the one remaining" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to identify the last entity or item from a set, as Ludwig AI confirms. It functions as a determiner phrase, highlighting singularity and persistence. Its neutral register makes it suitable for varied contexts, including News & Media and Science. Remember to use it with a singular noun and be aware of the subtle differences between it and similar phrases like "the last remaining". Ludwig's examples demonstrate its wide applicability in describing situations where only one entity survives or persists.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the last remaining

Emphasizes the finality of its existence.

the single remaining

Highlights the 'single' aspect as being the only one.

the only one left

Directly indicates that there are no others existing.

the solitary remaining

Indicates a sense of isolation and being alone.

the sole survivor

Focuses on survival in a situation where all others are lost.

the last vestige

Highlights the very last trace or sign that remains.

the final vestige

Implies that it is a trace or sign of something that is disappearing.

the ultimate recourse

Suggests it's the last option or solution available.

the parting relic

Evokes a sense of memory or history attached to the item.

the concluding exemplar

Suggests that it's the last instance available.

FAQs

How can I use "the one remaining" in a sentence?

Use "the one remaining" to specify the last item or entity out of a larger set. For example: "After the cuts, the library was "the one remaining" public service in the town."

What's a good alternative to "the one remaining"?

Consider using alternatives like "the only one left", "the last remaining", or "the sole survivor", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "the one remaining" and "the last remaining"?

While similar, "the one remaining" emphasizes the singularity of the item, while "the last remaining" emphasizes the finality of its existence. Both are correct, but the nuance differs.

Can "the one remaining" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, it can. For instance, you could say, "Hope was "the one remaining" feeling he had after the disaster."