only child vs single child

Both 'only child' and 'single child' are correct phrases, but 'only child' is the more commonly used and accepted term in English. It specifically refers to a person who has no siblings. 'Single child' can be used, but it may not be as widely recognized or preferred.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 969 views

This is a correct and commonly used term in English to refer to a person who has no siblings.

"only child"

Use 'only child' to describe a person who does not have any siblings. It is a widely recognized term in English.

Examples:

She is an only child, so she gets a lot of attention from her parents.
Growing up as an only child, he learned to be independent at a young age.

Show examples from the web [+]

I had always suffered being an only child.
You make me wish I were an only child.
Uco, Bangun's only child.
We moved to this country to give our only child, Mukesh, everything we never had.
Avery's an Upper West Side only child.
You should know, I'm used to being an only child.
We checked that out. Avery's an only child.
Suddenly I'm grateful to be an only child.
Life as an only child can get pretty lonely.
Apparently, Lucifer isn't an only child.
She was an only child who had run away from home.
Jerry's parents were both psychologists, and he was an only child.
I worry that Colin gets lonely sometimes, as an only child.
He went from being an only child to having two instant siblings.
Although an only child, I long had a brother.
Hayes was an only child, lived with his motheR.
As you know, I was the only child.
Tom Roberts is so boring, his brother is an only child.
An only child has to be everything.
I'm an only child, and both folks have passed.

Alternatives:

single child

This is a correct term, but it may not be as commonly used or recognized as 'only child' in English.

"single child"

While 'single child' can be used to refer to a person without siblings, 'only child' is the more preferred and widely understood term.

Show examples from the web [+]

Every single child in the independent school district of Dillon deserves better.
So every single child in the whole wide world is speaking English.
My research is too important to jeapordize for a single child.
Help a single child, you are a hero?
From then on, I was raised as a single child by a single mother.
Single child, parents deceased, unmarried, freelance... international...
Thebes, the city of corpses, where we found a single child, still alive.
What he's saying is you're not getting one solitary, single child.
every single child in Uruguay will have a laptop -
For just $20 each, we can give every single child a computer to call their own, loaded with educational software.
Yet again, every child has stopped, every single child in the world.
They have $30 million in that account, and they've never helped a single child.
Thirty-one countries in total are involved, and in the case of Uruguay, and by the middle of 2009, every single child in Uruguay will have a laptop - a little green laptop.
A single child: civil war
Every single child in the world.
I'm sorry V... Myresearchistooimportant to jeapordize for a single child.
But on the first day of school, not a single child showed up. Parents simply refused to send them.
As far as we can tell, at 8.40 this morning, every single child in the world stopped.
So, you would have the Galactica jump into a cylon hornet nest, risk everything for one solitary single child.
Someone who has seen the death of a single child now has nothing to lose.

Alternatives:

only child

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

only child vs single child

"only child"

"single child"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text