I am an only child. vs I am the only child

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I am an only child' is used to express that someone does not have any siblings, while 'I am the only child' is used to emphasize that there are no other siblings in a specific group or situation.

Last updated: April 08, 2024 • 297 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate that someone does not have any siblings.

"I am an only child."

This phrase is used to convey that the speaker does not have any brothers or sisters.

Examples:

I am an only child, so I never had to share my toys with anyone.
Growing up as an only child, I enjoyed a lot of attention from my parents.
She is an only child, which means she gets all the inheritance.
Being an only child has its advantages and disadvantages.
As an only child, I sometimes wished I had siblings to play with.

Show examples from the web [+]

I am an only child.
No. I am an only child.
The reason I know that is that I am an only child.
NO. I AM AN ONLY CHILD.
I am an unplanned only child.
I am an only child and my father has never loved me.
An only child's compensations for her loneliness.
I'm used to being an only child and I know I didn't exactly roll out the welcome wagon when you arrived but I am now completely horrified you are here.
All you ever said is she's from Virginia and she's an only child like I am.
Jerry's parents were both psychologists, and he was an only child.
It must be very difticult to lose an only child.
I had always suffered being an only child.
I hated being an only child.
Life as an only child can get pretty lonely.
I'm a classic example of an only child.
Mom, you're an only child.
No, he's an only child.
They'll be was an only child.
Filthy rich and she's an only child.
Him being an only child and all.

Alternatives:

I have no siblings.
I don't have any brothers or sisters.
I am the only one in my family.
I am the sole child.
I am the single child.

This phrase is correct and is used to emphasize that there are no other siblings in a specific group or situation.

"I am the only child"

This phrase is used when emphasizing that there are no other siblings in a particular context or group.

Examples:

I am the only child in my class who can speak French.
She is the only child in the family who pursued a career in music.
He is the only child in the group who has a pet snake.
As the only child in the house, I get all the attention.
Being the only child in the team, she felt a lot of pressure.

Show examples from the web [+]

I am the only child
I am the only Atreyu of the Plains People.
I am the only one who can fit.
I am the only one who must apologize to His Majesty.
I am the only advantage in this situation.
I am the only daddy you got.
But I am the only woman he loves.
Therefore I am the only person here who transcends the parent-teacher bridge.
But I am the only person in the family who knows that.
I am the only one who can help you.
I am the only person who will be driving the van.
I am the only one here that has any chance to make amends.
I am the only you can ride it.
You need me because I am the only attorney you have.
Careful, Jessica, because I am the only other person who is trying to save Hope's life.
But I am the only witness to your first crime.
I am the only one who likes this guy.
I am the only one who gives orders.
I am the only one who wants to help you.
Thor: I am the only one who can defeat the Midgard Serpent.
I am the only reason you exist, Teresa.

Alternatives:

I am the sole child.
I am the single child.
I am the only one with no siblings.
I am the only sibling.
I am the lone child.

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I am an only child. vs I am the only child

"I am an only child."

"I am the only child"

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