Single out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Single out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when you want to identify or highlight a specific person or thing from a group. Example: "The teacher decided to single out the student who had shown the most improvement this semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To single out?

The New Yorker

"Why single out Muslims?

The Guardian

So why single out the Internet?

The Economist

Why single out manufacturing for special treatment?

The New York Times

So why single out Ms. Lederer?

The New York Times

Popovich did not single out Jefferson.

The New York Times

So why single out parents?

The New York Times - Magazine

"Why single out TV advertising?

The Guardian

I single out Miarden Jackson and Zack Marshall.

The New York Times - Arts

I don't want to single out individuals.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's not fair to single-out Pettit.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Single out" when you want to focus on one particular item or person from a group, especially when you're also implying a reason for this special attention.

Common error

Avoid using "Single out" when the context implies unfair or discriminatory treatment without explicitly stating a fair and justifiable reason, as it can carry negative implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Single out" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of selecting an individual or item from a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, highlighting its role in identifying or emphasizing a specific entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Single out" is a versatile verb phrase used to denote the selection of a particular item or individual from a larger group, often implying a reason for this specific attention. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. It frequently appears in news and media sources, as well as in academic and scientific writing, suggesting a neutral register. When using "Single out", be mindful of the context to avoid unintended negative connotations. Alternatives such as "distinguish", "highlight", and "select" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pick out

Is a more informal and direct alternative, conveying a simple act of choosing from a group.

Identify specifically

Emphasizes clarity in identification, suitable when the main goal is precision rather than distinction.

Select

A more general term for choosing something or someone, lacking the potential for differential treatment implied by "Single out".

Highlight

Implies bringing attention to something, differing in that it emphasizes visibility rather than selection.

Set apart

Emphasizes the act of making something distinct or different, implying a separation from others.

Distinguish

Focuses on recognizing differences, subtly shifting from mere selection to recognition of unique traits.

Spotlight

Similar to "highlight", but often implies a more deliberate act of drawing public attention.

Pinpoint

Suggests identifying with precision, adding a layer of accuracy not necessarily present in "Single out".

Isolate

Suggests separating something completely, often with the implication of studying it in detail.

Discriminate

Implies making a distinction, sometimes carrying a negative connotation of unfair treatment.

FAQs

How to use "Single out" in a sentence?

You can use "Single out" when you want to select one from a group and treat differently. For example: "The teacher decided to single out the student who had shown the most improvement this semester".

What can I say instead of "Single out"?

You can use alternatives like "distinguish", "highlight", or "select" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "Single out" and "identify specifically"?

"Single out" implies selecting with a purpose or for differential treatment, whereas "identify specifically" simply means to recognize clearly.

When is it appropriate to use "Single out"?

It's appropriate to use "Single out" when you want to emphasize the selection of a particular item or person from a larger group for a specific reason, whether positive or negative, and that reason is clear in the context.