a one off example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a one off example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a unique instance or occurrence that is not expected to be repeated. Example: "This is a one off example of how the new policy can lead to unexpected results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is not a one-off example.

The Guardian - Money

I don't know if that is a one-off example, I haven't done an exhaustive study, but have journal articles moved away from telling the story of discovery to just a more cut-and-dried approach?

The Guardian - Books

But this is not a one-off example.

Forbes

While many of these officials have written off the Mora case as a one-off example of incompetent legal work, others in Costa Rica say the case's result points to larger issues that foster impunity in cases involving environmentalists.

Vice

If it's a one-off example you can bypass that.

BMJ Open

Secondly, the extent to which AAtRSs might function as peptide ligases remains unclear - is MshC a one-off example or are there more such instances?

Biology Direct

Equally, fans selling one or two tickets on a one-off basis – for example, because they are now going to be away when the event is taking place – are unlikely to be pursued.

The Guardian - Money

In addition, she can more quickly acquire knowledge, because she is building out a framework (using the reverse MM theorem as a skeleton), and she is better able to retain knowledge because she can store it systematically, not just as a series of one-off examples.

Columbia University

But it will need more than one-off examples like Sheryl Sandberg citing on Facebook's earnings call that Electronic Arts got a 4X return in sales on its Facebook ad spend.

TechCrunch

Shorten said the sector had been rocked by a string of scandals that were "not isolated and one-off examples" but rather pointed to systemic problems in the industries.

The Guardian - Business

A bit more restrained than Mr. Kriendler, Mr. Conklin added: "I cannot speak to the quality of some of these one-off examples, but the bottles were stored well and should surprise, challenge and satisfy".

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a one off example", ensure the context clearly indicates that the instance is not typical or recurring. This helps avoid misinterpretations and emphasizes the unique nature of the example.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions or making generalizations based solely on "a one off example". A single instance may not be representative of the overall trend or pattern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a one off example" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a singular, non-recurring instance that serves as an illustration. The meaning is relatively straightforward. Ludwig analysis suggests it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a one off example" refers to a unique, non-recurring instance used for illustration. While Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, the phrase's limited presence in authoritative sources suggests that more formal alternatives, such as "unique instance" or "isolated case", might be preferred in some contexts. The key is to ensure the context clearly indicates the instance's exceptional nature, avoiding overgeneralizations based on a single occurrence. The absence of examples makes definitive analysis challenging, but the phrase remains understandable and usable with careful consideration of context and register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique instance

Highlights the singularity and distinctiveness of the event.

a rare instance

Emphasizes the infrequency and scarcity of such an example.

an isolated case

Emphasizes the uniqueness and separation of the instance from others.

a solitary example

Stresses the lack of similar instances and its standing alone.

a single occurrence

Focuses on the event happening only once.

a standalone instance

Implies the example can be considered separately, without requiring additional context.

an exceptional case

Suggests that the example is out of the ordinary or deviates from the norm.

a non-recurring case

Highlights the fact that the case is not expected to happen again.

an isolated incident

Highlights the limited scope and contained nature of the event.

a freak occurrence

Suggests the event is unusual, unexpected, and perhaps even bizarre.

FAQs

How can I use "a one off example" in a sentence?

You can use "a one off example" to refer to a unique or isolated case that is not expected to be repeated. For instance, "This data breach seems to be "an isolated case", rather than a systemic issue".

What phrases are similar to "a one off example"?

Alternatives include "a unique instance", "an exceptional case", or "a solitary example", all of which emphasize the rarity or uniqueness of the event.

Is it appropriate to use "a one off example" in formal writing?

Yes, "a one off example" can be used in formal writing, provided that the context clearly indicates the instance is unique and not part of a recurring pattern. However, in highly formal contexts, alternatives like "a unique instance" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "a one off example" and "a typical example"?

"A one off example" refers to an isolated, non-recurring instance, whereas "a typical example" represents a common or representative case. The former highlights uniqueness, while the latter emphasizes generality.