with a single action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with a single action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is accomplished or achieved through one specific act or deed. Example: "The software update fixed the issue with a single action, streamlining the entire process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Individuals shout loud on social media, but don't follow through with a single action.

The Guardian

Indeed, Jude's evil genius lies in realising that with a single action she can hurt several people at once.

The Guardian - Books

Helmchen, F., Borst, J. G. & Sakmann, B. Calcium dynamics associated with a single action potential in a CNS presynaptic terminal.

Nature

All employment of force should have an effective concentration in a single moment, with a single action, Clausewitz argued.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Last week, Mr. Paulson acknowledged that the problems exposed by the housing crisis were diffuse and complex and could not be solved with a single action.

The New York Times

Ideally, the software would let you add multiple items with a single action, would remember what you eat repeatedly and would be connected to a vast library of foodstuffs — so that when you told it that you ate, say, a slice of meatloaf from a Cook's Illustrated recipe, it could instantly calculate your plate's nutritional information.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In total, 11 VCs were won during that battle, the most ever awarded for a single action, but with the South Wales Borderers recruiting in all parts of the country most of the soldiers actually came from England and Ireland, not Wales - as is popularly supposed.

BBC

With a single-action accordion, 10 buttons suffice for a range of more than two octaves.

Britannica

The SWNT extract is enriched with the minor impurity in a single-action mode.

Nanoscale Research Letters

double-action only model, as a single-action alternative.

Wikipedia

"Obama could change this with a single executive action," writes Bassett.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with a single action" to emphasize efficiency or simplicity in achieving a particular outcome. It highlights that a complex result stems from one focused effort.

Common error

Avoid embedding "with a single action" within overly complex sentences. Break down lengthy sentences to ensure clarity and impact. The phrase is most effective when it directly modifies a key verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a single action" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how something is done. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase highlights that something is accomplished through one distinct effort.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

58%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with a single action" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to highlight efficiency and simplicity in achieving a result. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and readily usable. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, maintaining a neutral register. To enhance writing, use it to emphasize efficiency but avoid overuse in complex sentences. By considering these factors, you can effectively incorporate "with a single action" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in one action

Omits "single", simplifying the phrasing while retaining the core meaning of performing something in a single instance.

by a single act

Replaces "action" with "act", emphasizing the performance of something at once.

through one action

Substitutes "with" for "through", focusing on the means by which a result is achieved.

in one fell swoop

Idiomatic expression conveying a swift, decisive action.

at one stroke

Emphasizes the suddenness and decisiveness of the action.

with a unique action

Emphasizes how uncommon that action is.

by one move

Uses the word "move" as a more informal, simpler substitute for "action".

through a sole action

Replaces "single" with "sole" to enhance emphasis on the uniqueness of the action.

using a unique action

Emphasizes how uncommon that action is and that it is being used for some purpose.

by means of a single action

Adds formality by using "by means of" instead of "with".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "with a single action" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "by means of a single action" or "through a solitary act". These options add a layer of sophistication suitable for academic or professional writing.

What are some simpler alternatives to "with a single action"?

For simpler alternatives, use "in one action" or "by one move". These alternatives are concise and easily understood in everyday contexts.

Is there a difference between using "with a single action" and "through a single action"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "with a single action" emphasizes the tool or method used, whereas "through one action" focuses on the process or pathway. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the instrument or the method.

Can "with a single action" be used to describe inaction?

No, "with a single action" implies that something is being done. To describe inaction, consider phrases like "by doing nothing" or "through passive resistance".