a singular

USAGE SUMMARY

"a singular" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a single instance of something, particularly if you are contrasting it with multiple instances of that same thing. For example, "The decision to walk away from the project was a singular choice, but with long-lasting consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a singular aftermath.

The New York Times

It is a singular document.

The New Yorker

Lund is a singular creation.

Independent

Ferguson's is not a singular situation.

The New Yorker

It was a singular act of courage.

The New Yorker

ALBERT EINSTEIN was a singular genius.

The Economist

It has been a singular mission.

The New York Times - Sports

"You showed a singular lack of restraint.

Independent

It is not a singular, governmental task.

The Economist

A phenomenal, but a singular instinct.

The New York Times - Sports

His is, after all, a singular story.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase in formal or literary contexts to describe a vision, talent or achievement that stands apart from the ordinary

Common error

Avoid using "a singular" when your only intention is to count a quantity of one without any connotation of uniqueness. For example, use "a single apple" for a simple count, but use "a singular" achievement to describe a unique success. Using it purely for counting can sometimes sound overly archaic or pretentious in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular" functions as a determiner-adjective combination. According to Ludwig AI, it is primarily used as an attributive modifier for singular countable nouns. It serves to specify both the quantity (one) and the quality (exceptional or unique) of the noun it precedes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, Ludwig AI demonstrates that "a singular" is a robust and sophisticated phrase used to denote more than just numerical unity. While it literally means "one", in modern English usage, it almost always carries the connotation of being unparalleled or extraordinary. Whether describing a genius, a vision or a tragedy, the phrase serves as a powerful tool for emphasis. Writers should feel confident using it in formal, journalistic or academic contexts to distinguish a specific subject from its peers, though they should be careful not to use it where a simple "a single" would suffice for basic counting purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique

Stresses that something is the only one of its kind

a remarkable

Focuses on the extraordinary or noteworthy nature of the subject

a particular

Points to a specific or certain instance among many

a single

More common for simple counting or numerical emphasis

an exceptional

Implies that the subject stands out from the norm due to quality

a distinctive

Suggests a characteristic that makes something easily recognizable

an individual

Emphasizes the separate and distinct nature of a person or thing

a rare

Highlights the scarcity or uncommon frequency of an event

a sole

Often used to denote being the only one involved in a specific role

a solitary

Refers to being alone or occurring in isolation

FAQs

How to use "a singular" in a sentence?

You can use "a singular" to describe something that is unique or remarkable, such as "He possessed "a singular vision" for the company".

What is the difference between "a singular" and "a single"?

While both refer to one item, "a single" is used for counting and simple identification, whereas "a singular" often implies that the item is extraordinary or unique. You might say "a single chair" but "a singular event".

What can I say instead of "a singular"?

Depending on your intended meaning, you can use alternatives like "a unique", "an extraordinary" or "a distinct".

Is it correct to use "a singular" with plural nouns?

No, because "a singular" contains the indefinite article "a", it must be followed by a singular noun. Using it with plural nouns would be grammatically incorrect.