the only one remaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the only one remaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is the last of its kind or the last option available in a particular context. Example: "After everyone else has left, I realized I was the only one remaining in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Now the Camanelli dance empire has dwindled to a a single Astaire franchise, the only one remaining on Long Island, with a 2,500-square-foot 2,500-square-foot 2,500-square-footve the CompUSA near Roosevelt Fieldance

The New York Times

I recognise that sense of isolation, of being the only one remaining from the dozens that embarked on the same path.

The Guardian

The York is the only one remaining.

The New York Times

Charles Graner is the only one remaining in prison, serving ten years.

The New Yorker

Of all the unions in the entertainment business, the actors' guild is the only one remaining that has not reached terms with the studios.

The New York Times

Across the square is 't Ankertje, an outpost of Het Anker brewery - after the demise of Lamot, the only one remaining in Mechelen.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The combination of SNP2-SNP7 was the only one remained significant after Bonferroni correction (Pcorr = 0.0052).

BMC Psychiatry

If such freedoms are not protected, we will live in a country where independent thought will be a thing of the past, and heavily redacted bumper stickers will be the only ones remaining on our cars.

Huffington Post

Fourteen have so far ratified the treaty – Estonia, Italy and Germany are the only ones remaining.

The Guardian - Opinion

They have yet to play, but Hingis and fourth-seeded Jennifer Capriati are the only ones remaining among the six top-ranked players, as Lindsay Davenport and Monica Seles are injured.

The New York Times - Sports

The two synagogues are the only ones remaining in Harlem, said Jeffrey S. Gurock, the Libby M. Klaperman professor of Jewish history at Yeshiva University and author of "When Harlem Was Jewish, 1870-1930".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the only one remaining" when you want to emphasize the solitary nature of something after others have ceased to exist or be relevant. It adds a sense of finality or uniqueness to the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "the only one remaining" interchangeably with phrases like "the only one remembering" or "the only one regretting" as they convey different meanings. "Remaining" specifically refers to what is left or continues to exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only one remaining" primarily functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is the sole entity that continues to exist or be available. This function is supported by Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the only one remaining" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the last or sole entity in a given situation. As noted by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news and media, science, and sports contexts. While slightly more formal, it maintains a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the sense of finality or uniqueness you intend to convey, and avoid confusing it with phrases that imply different meanings. Alternative phrases such as "the sole remaining" or "the last one standing" can also be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to express. Ludwig AI confirms the versatility and correctness of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole remaining

Replaces "only one" with "sole", emphasizing uniqueness.

the only one left

Simple and direct substitution using "left" instead of "remaining".

the single remaining

Emphasizes the singular nature using "single" as a replacement.

the last one standing

Uses a more figurative term "standing" implying survival or persistence.

the lone survivor

Implies a situation of survival after a difficult event.

the only survivor

Uses a more literal term "survivor" implying survival or persistence.

the only one continuing

Focuses on the action of continuing where others have stopped.

the only one persisting

Highlights the aspect of persistence in the face of challenges.

the unique remaining

Emphasizes that it's unique in existing when all others no longer do.

the last vestige

More formal; implies something that's fading but still present.

FAQs

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

Use "the only one remaining" to emphasize that something is the last of its kind or the last option available. For example, "After the company closures, our store was the only one remaining in the town".

What phrases are similar to "the only one remaining"?

Alternatives include "the sole remaining", "the last one standing", or "the only one left", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "the only one remaining" or "the only one left"?

"The only one remaining" tends to be slightly more formal than "the only one left", but both are acceptable in most contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "the only one remaining" instead of a more specific phrase?

Use "the only one remaining" when you want to emphasize the fact that something is the last existing entity of its kind, rather than focusing on other attributes or actions it may be performing. It highlights its status as the last.