So, this is probably a stupid question, but does 3 gears in front and 1 in back not work?

You see lots of single speeds and some people do the 1x9. Most of my commute I'm happy to sit in one gear. Every now and again I go on the big ring and go fast for fun, and sometimes I take on the huge hill and drop down into my granny. I'd be happy with three gears if the range was good. Is that not possible with 3 x1?