What is single? Pronunciation and usage in English

single means . Learn how to pronounce and use single through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of single

singleadjective

/ˈsɪŋɡl/
Definition & pronunciation of single

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "single" in English. Here's a breakdown with audio links to help you hear it:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /sɪŋɡəl/ (This is the American pronunciation)

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • si - Like the word "see" but shorter. Think of a quick, sharp "s" sound.
  • ng - This is the "ng" sound as in "sing" or "long." It's a nasal sound – it vibrates in your nose.
  • ɡəl - Like "gul" in "gull" or "gold." The "l" is a clear, light "l" sound.

Here are some audio examples:

Tips for getting it right:

  • Nasal Sound: The "ng" is KEY. Really feel the vibration in your nose when you say it. Don't let it sound like a simple "n."
  • Short "i": The first syllable "si" uses a short "i" sound (like in "sit").
  • Practice: Say it several times slowly, focusing on each syllable.

Do you want me to:

  • Break down another word?
  • Give you some example sentences using "single"?

Usage and examples with the word single in English

The word "single" is incredibly versatile in English! It can be an adjective, a noun, or an adverb. Here's a breakdown of how to use it, with examples:

1. As an Adjective (Describing something alone or without a partner):

  • Singular: This is the most common usage. It describes something that is one of its kind.

    • "I bought a single apple." (meaning one apple)
    • "She lives in a single apartment." (meaning a one-bedroom apartment)
    • "He's a single parent." (meaning a parent without a spouse)
    • "She has a single rose in her vase." (one rose)

  • Unmarried: Describing someone who isn't in a romantic relationship.

    • "He's a single man in his thirties."
    • "She's happy being a single woman."

  • Unique/Only: Highlighting that something is the only one.

    • "This is the single most important step."
    • "He was the single survivor of the accident."

2. As a Noun (Referring to something that is one):

  • A single item:

    • "I need a single sheet of paper."
    • "Could I have a single coffee, please?"

  • A solitary thing:

    • "The single star shone brightly in the night sky."

  • (Occasionally, more informal) A date: (This use is becoming less common and can feel a bit dated.)

    • "He went on a single date last week." (Meaning one date)

3. As an Adverb (Describing how something is done):

  • Alone: Indicating something is done by oneself.

    • "He walked single-handedly through the forest." (He walked alone, without help.)
    • "She solved the problem single-mindedly." (She focused on the problem entirely and alone.)

  • Distinctly/Clearly (rare, but can be used):

    • “The picture was single-minded in its focus.” (Meaning the picture had a very specific, obvious centre of attention.)

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Part of Speech Meaning(s) Examples
Adjective Singular, unmarried, unique, only A single book, a single man, the single most important thing
Noun One item, solitary thing, (rarely) a date A single dollar, a single drop of water
Adverb Alone, single-mindedly Walked single-handedly, focused single-mindedly

Tips for Using "Single":

  • Be mindful of context: The meaning of "single" changes depending on the usage.
  • Consider alternatives: Sometimes, using "one" or "individual" might be clearer. ("I need one apple" instead of “I need a single apple”).
  • Watch for hyphenation: "Single-handedly" is often hyphenated to emphasize the meaning of "alone."

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of sentence are you trying to write? (e.g., a description, a statement, a question?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're thinking of using "single"?

Synonyms for the word single

Idioms of the word single

at a (single) glance
immediately; with only a quick look
  • She is able to take in complex information at a single glance.
at/in a single go | at a/one go
(British English)in one single attempt or try
  • She blew out the candles in a single go.
(in) single file
(in) one line, one behind the other
  • They made their way in single file along the cliff path.

Practice with vocabulary single

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's success relies on a ______ unified vision across all departments.
  2. Despite numerous challenges, the team managed to complete the entire project in a ______ day.
  3. Her dedication to the mission was ______; no one else showed such unwavering commitment.
  4. Each participant was asked to submit their ______ report by the deadline.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes something that is one of a kind or not divided? a) isolated b) singular c) combined d) single

  2. To ensure consistency, all project updates must come from a ______ source. a) unified b) unique c) single d) sole

  3. Which sentences correctly use 'single'? a) The athlete cleared the high jump in a single attempt. b) We need a single-minded focus to achieve this goal. c) Her single status allows her more freedom to travel. d) The single purpose of the meeting was to discuss the budget.

  4. Which word best describes a person who prefers to be alone? a) isolated b) individual c) solitary d) exclusive

  5. The team's success was due to their ______ effort. a) collective b) united c) separate d) combined

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence to use "single": The committee agreed without any dissenting voices on the new policy.

  2. Rewrite the sentence to use "single" or a related word form: They dedicated all their attention to solving that one particular problem.

  3. Rewrite the sentence to not use "single" but use a suitable replacement word: The company's survival depended on its ability to overcome this one immense obstacle.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. single
  2. single
  3. sole
  4. individual

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) singular, d) single
  2. c) single, d) sole
  3. a), b), c), d)
  4. a) isolated, c) solitary
  5. a) collective, b) united, d) combined

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The committee had a single voice regarding the new policy.
  2. They approached the problem with a single-minded focus.
  3. The company's survival depended on its ability to overcome this sole immense obstacle.

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