a distinct individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinct individual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the uniqueness or individuality of a person or entity in various contexts, such as discussions about identity or characteristics. Example: "In a world full of conformity, she stands out as a distinct individual with her own thoughts and beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Not so much a distinct individual as a distinctive voice, this narrator speaks to us as if from the lip of a stage, in darkness.

The New Yorker

The structure, though, racing from scene to scene and song to song, doesn't allow Shida to emerge as a distinct individual; she feels instead like a generic compilation (1 10).

The New York Times

The soul was considered a distinct individual entity not unlike an organ of the body, but also very different, because its location in the body could not be determined.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We live in an age of addictive self-portraiture – except that the selfies who so unstoppably document the busy banality of their lives aren't really making portraits, and it's unclear whether there is a distinct individual self behind their lookalike grins.

The Guardian - Books

Reacting against the pietistic element of Greek and Oriental Christianity, which accented Christ as simply the divinity in human form rather than as a distinct individual, Abhdisho argued that Jesus experienced completely the biological and psychological functions of an integral, human person in feelings, mind, and will.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Finally, each transitive closure is considered as a distinct individual.

Security Informatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Each individual flower will only accept pollen from a flower from a genetically distinct individual tree.

WikiHow

They can form vast subterranean networks of threadlike growths, which sometimes fuse with other networks, mingling their DNA so that they wind up as strange genetic chimeras, defying our notion of what it means to be a genetically distinct individual.

The New York Times - Books

An important statistical parameter for determining the number of loci required to identify all distinct individuals with a needed confidence level, is the PID.

Horticulture Research

We shift now to sharing research addressing the role dress might play in thinking about oneself as a unique and distinct individual (i.e., self-perceptions).

Fashion and Textiles

We also confirmed that females learned the specific airborne odours of the individual male on contact with male urine, as females pre-exposed to contact with urine from one male showed no subsequent attraction to airborne odours that came from a different genetically distinct individual male in the test [Figure 10A(b)].

BMC Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distinct individual" when you want to emphasize the unique characteristics and identity of a person or entity, setting them apart from others in a clear and recognizable way.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinct individual" in very casual or informal settings where simpler language would be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinct individual" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "distinct" modifies the noun "individual". Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinct individual" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to highlight the unique identity or characteristics of someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It appears most frequently in scientific and news media contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. When aiming to underscore individuality, this phrase effectively conveys the idea of clear differentiation. For alternatives, consider "a unique person" or "a singular character" depending on the specific nuance you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique person

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the individual.

a one-of-a-kind individual

Highlights the rarity and unparalleled nature of the individual.

a separate entity

Focuses on the independent existence and defined boundaries of the individual.

a singular character

Highlights the unique traits and personality of the individual.

an individual apart

Stresses the individual's separation and difference from the group.

an exceptional person

Highlights the individual's outstanding qualities and abilities.

a remarkable soul

Emphasizes the individual's admirable and noteworthy spirit.

a clear identity

Focuses on the well-defined and recognizable nature of the individual's self.

a self-contained unit

Highlights the individual's independence and ability to function autonomously.

a discrete being

Focuses on the individual's separate and independent existence.

FAQs

How can I use "a distinct individual" in a sentence?

You can use "a distinct individual" to highlight someone's unique qualities. For example, "She emerged as "a distinct individual" with her innovative ideas and unwavering determination."

What are some alternatives to "a distinct individual"?

Alternatives include "a unique person", "a singular character", or "an exceptional person". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "distinct individual" or "unique individual"?

"Distinct" emphasizes clear differentiation, while "unique" emphasizes unparalleled singularity. Both are valid, but "distinct" is often used to highlight recognizable differences. If something is truly one-of-a-kind, then use "unique individual".

How does the term "distinct individual" apply in scientific contexts?

In scientific research, "distinct individual" is often used to ensure that each data point represents a separate and identifiable subject, preventing duplication or contamination of results. For example, when collecting biological samples, it's crucial to confirm that each sample comes from "a distinct individual" to maintain data integrity.