the only person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the only person' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to one person in particular or when you want to emphasize that there is only one person. For example: The only person who can answer this question correctly is the professor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's not the only person".

The New York Times

"You're practically the only person staying here".

The New Yorker

"You're not the only person to blame.

The New Yorker

The only person missing was Tallulah Bankhead".

The New York Times

You're the only person who knows.

The New Yorker

The only person missing was President Havel.

The Guardian

I was the only person there.

The New Yorker

Jirik was the only person aboard.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm the only person there".

The New York Times

(The only person he missed was Barack Obama).

The New Yorker

"You are the only person I've told".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the only person", ensure the context clearly defines the criteria for being 'the only' one. This adds weight and meaning to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "the only person" without providing sufficient context. For instance, stating "He's the only person who can help" is incomplete without clarifying what kind of help is needed and why he is uniquely qualified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only person" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a singular noun. It serves to identify a particular individual out of a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly acceptable for use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only person" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to emphasize the uniqueness or exclusivity of an individual. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. This phrase is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news media and academic writing, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines why that individual is the sole person being referred to, avoiding ambiguity. Related phrases such as "the sole individual" or "the only one" can offer stylistic variations, but "the only person" is direct and clearly understood in most situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the only one

Simplifies the phrase, maintaining the same meaning but with fewer words.

the sole individual

Replaces 'person' with 'individual' to convey a slightly more formal tone.

the single individual

Uses 'single' instead of 'only' for emphasis on singularity, also using 'individual' for a formal tone.

the one and only

Expresses a higher degree of uniqueness and importance.

the exclusive person

Highlights the exclusivity of the person in question.

the lone figure

Emphasizes isolation and uniqueness, suggesting a sense of solitude.

the only soul

Adds a spiritual or emotional dimension to the uniqueness.

him/her alone

Focuses on the individual's isolation and sole involvement.

just him/her

Simplifies the phrase emphasizing that it is merely that person.

nobody else

Uses a negative construction to emphasize the absence of others.

FAQs

How can I use "the only person" in a sentence?

You can use "the only person" to single out an individual with a unique quality, role, or ability. For example, "She's "the only person" who knows the secret recipe."

What are some alternatives to saying "the only person"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the sole individual", "the only one", or "just him/her" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "the only person"?

Yes, "the only person" is grammatically correct. It is a common and widely accepted phrase used to specify a single individual.

What's the difference between "the only person" and "the only one"?

While both phrases denote singularity, "the only person" specifically refers to an individual. "The only one" is more general and can refer to a person, thing, or idea, but using "the only one" can lack the nuance of specifying "the only person".