there isn't one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'there isn't one' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express that something doesn't exist or isn't true. For example, "I looked everywhere for my car keys, but there isn't one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each day, he realizes there isn't one.

The New York Times

What, there isn't one?

The Guardian

Only there isn't one.

The New York Times - Magazine

Unfortunately, there isn't one.

The Guardian - Tech

But there isn't one.

The Guardian - Film

B) there isn't one.

The New York Times

Answer: there isn't one.

The Guardian

"And there isn't one".

The New York Times

"There isn't one thing.

The Guardian

If there isn't one already.

The Guardian - Tech

Largely because there isn't one.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there isn't one" when you want to clearly and directly state that something does not exist or is not available. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "there isn't one" when you actually mean there is more than one. This phrase is strictly for expressing the absence of something, not its abundance. For example, avoid saying "There isn't one reason to be happy" if you mean "There are many reasons to be happy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there isn't one" functions as a negative existential, asserting the non-existence or absence of something specified or implied in the context. Ludwig examples show its use to deny the presence of a solution, a single item, or even a specific type of thing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there isn't one" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the absence or non-existence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase serves to clearly and directly state that something is lacking, unavailable, or simply does not exist. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure it's not mistakenly used in affirmative contexts, where multiple items or solutions exist. Alternatives such as "there is none" or "it doesn't exist" can be employed for formal or technical settings, depending on the desired tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there is none

Emphasizes the complete absence of something, often used in more formal contexts.

there's no such thing

Emphasizes that something doesn't exist or isn't possible.

there's nothing

Highlights the lack of something in a more general or emphatic way.

it doesn't exist

Directly states the non-existence of something, suitable for technical or assertive contexts.

it's nonexistent

Uses an adjective to describe something that does not exist, often implying impossibility.

not a single one exists

Stresses that even one instance of something cannot be found, adding emphasis.

no such thing

Indicates that something is not real or does not occur, often used dismissively.

it's not available

Focuses on the unavailability rather than the non-existence of something.

it cannot be found

Highlights the inability to locate something, often implying a search has been conducted.

nobody has it

Focuses on the lack of possession of something by anyone.

FAQs

How can I use "there isn't one" in a sentence?

Use "there isn't one" to indicate the absence of something. For example, "I searched for a solution, but "there isn't one"".

What's a formal alternative to "there isn't one"?

A more formal alternative is "there is none", which conveys a similar meaning but is suitable for more formal or technical contexts. For example, "There is none available at this time".

Is it correct to say "there aren't one"?

No, "there aren't one" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "there isn't one", which is used to indicate the absence of a single item or solution.

What can I say instead of "there isn't one" to express something is impossible?

You could say "it's impossible", "it cannot be done", or "it's unachievable" to express impossibility instead of directly stating absence. An example is, "Finding a perfect solution is impossible; "it's impossible"".