what a single

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what a single" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express surprise or emphasis about a single item or instance, but it lacks context to be effectively used. Example: "What a single moment that changed everything for us!"

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But what a single.

The New Yorker

We highlight what a single dominant HBDI® profile looks like in each of the quadrants.

Whole Brain® Learning in Higher Education Evidence-Based Practice

After all, she said, it's what a single big-time athlete earns through a major contract.

Harvard University

Strange what a single day can do, even just one golf shot.

Independent

But she employs it to tell what a single person, Day, is thinking and feeling.

The Guardian - Books

Great artists often challenge preconceptions of what a single person can achieve.

The Guardian - Opinion

So already that's given you a completely different view of what a single mother is.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pricing is also more complicated than what a single kilowatt-hour captures.

MIT Technology Review

So, if we take a look at what a single bond is, and let me grab some molecules here.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

SIEPR's Victor Fuchs explains what a single-payer system could achieve, what would probably never happen, and why.

Stanford University

Postal rates favored the practice, as newspapers could be remailed in their entirety for about what a single-sheet letter would cost — and the sender was spared the obligation of writing an actual letter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reframe your sentence to eliminate this phrase entirely if possible. More direct language often enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "what a single" when you mean "what one" or "the effect of a single". The original phrase is often perceived as grammatically awkward and can obscure your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a single" functions as an incomplete exclamatory phrase, often used to introduce a statement about the impact or nature of a single entity, action, or item. Although grammatically incorrect, Ludwig's examples show that it is commonly used in various contexts to emphasize the significance of something singular.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

26%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "what a single" is frequently encountered, it is considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI analysis points out its role in emphasizing the significance of individual items or actions across diverse contexts like news and academia. To improve clarity, it's best to substitute with more precise alternatives such as "what one" or "the effect of a single". Be aware that despite its presence in various sources, its use is often discouraged in formal writing due to grammatical concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the effect of a single

Highlights the consequence or result produced by one thing.

what an individual

Focuses on a person rather than an unspecified "single" entity.

what a lone

Indicates being without company or support.

what one particular

Specifies a certain item or instance out of many.

what a solitary

Emphasizes isolation and being alone, rather than just one.

the consequence of just one

Focuses on the outcome resulting from only one event or item.

what a unique

Highlights distinctiveness and rarity instead of mere singleness.

what a singular

Stresses the exceptional or remarkable nature of something.

the impact of one

Shifts focus to the effect caused by a single element.

the power of one

Emphasizes the potential influence of a single entity or action.

FAQs

What does "what a single" typically mean?

The phrase "what a single" is grammatically questionable, it is intended to express surprise or emphasis about a single item or instance. However, it lacks context to be effectively used. It can be intended to mean "what an individual" or "what a lone entity can achieve".

How can I use "what a single" in a sentence correctly?

Although the phrase is not grammatically correct, if you need to use it, ensure the context provides a clear indication of the item or instance to which you are referring. However, it's better to use alternatives like "what an individual" or "what a lone" to improve clarity.

Is "what a single" grammatically correct?

No, "what a single" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. Ludwig AI also reports it as incorrect. It's advisable to use clearer alternatives such as "what one" or "what a unique".

What are some alternatives to "what a single"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the effect of a single", "the impact of one", or "what an individual". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you intend to convey.