a singular act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular act" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a unique or one-time action that stands out in some way. Example: "The artist's performance was a singular act that captivated the audience and left a lasting impression."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It was a singular act of courage.

The New Yorker

It was a singular act of gracelessness.

The New York Times

All three constitute a singular act of witness.

The New York Times - Books

Investigators are poring over the footage, a disturbing silent film capturing what is perhaps a singular act of violence: a woman being burned to death.

The New York Times

He also said he wanted the drive "to send a signal to all museums in the nation that trusteeship is not a singular act but a group act".

The New York Times - Arts

Hank Sheinkopf, a public relations executive representing a group of New Square citizens, said of the May 22 attack, "This is a singular act, which is not reflective of the community, which has a history of living very much in peace and quiet".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Dresden is seen by many "as a unique and innocent city, which experienced, without warning, a needless and singular act of destruction," writes Matthias Neutzner, co-author of a new book, "The Red Glow".

The Economist

Perhaps what is more exciting about Slugger is that it doesn't reduce consent to the singular act of getting a yes, but explores the nuances that exist within.

The Guardian - Music

The coda to this story lies perhaps in an acknowledgement of India's sole singular act of diplomacy through this entire grisly process: the pressure to include, in Sri Lanka's Constitution in 1987, a 13th amendment, which called for the devolution of some administrative powers to provinces and for recognizing Tamil as an official language.

The New York Times

Here again the singular act of invention of a new information processing tool was followed by a burst of innovation utilizing it in every imaginable way.

Biology Direct

Using one's time to make music becomes a singular protest act.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular act" when you want to emphasize the uniqueness or distinctiveness of a particular action or event. It conveys that the act is special or stands out from others.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular act" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "a unique action" or "an exceptional deed" to add variety and maintain the reader's interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular act" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid. For example, "It was a singular act of courage".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a singular act" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase employed to emphasize the uniqueness or distinctiveness of an event. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it's valid and correct to use. While not overly common, the phrase appears predominantly in news and media contexts, lending it a neutral to formal register. To avoid repetition, consider alternatives like "a unique action" or "an exceptional deed". Remember, while effective, overuse can diminish its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptional deed

Emphasizes the outstanding or superior nature of the act.

a unique action

Highlights the unparalleled or one-of-a-kind aspect of the action.

a distinctive undertaking

Stresses the characteristic or easily recognizable nature of the act.

a remarkable feat

Focuses on the noteworthy or extraordinary quality of the accomplishment.

an unprecedented event

Highlights the fact that the event has never happened before.

a notable exploit

Emphasizes the adventurous or courageous aspect of the action.

an isolated incident

Focuses on the solitary and detached nature of the event.

a specific instance

Highlights the particular and detailed nature of the occurrence.

an extraordinary event

Focuses on the exceptional and beyond-the-ordinary nature of the happening.

an atypical occurrence

Emphasizes the non-standard or unusual nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "a singular act" in a sentence?

You can use "a singular act" to describe an event that is unique or stands out. For example: "His bravery was "a singular act" of courage during the crisis."

What can I say instead of "a singular act"?

You can use alternatives like "a unique action", "an exceptional deed", or "a remarkable feat" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a single act" or "a singular act"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, ""a singular act"" emphasizes uniqueness and distinctiveness, whereas "a single act" simply refers to one action. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a singular act" and "a typical act"?

"A singular act" is used to describe something unique and uncommon while "a typical act" is something ordinary and predictable.