a singular case

USAGE SUMMARY

"a singular case" is a grammatically correct phrase that is commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a unique or unusual situation or circumstance. For example: - "Mary's case was a singular one, as she was the only person to have survived the accident." - "The scientist's discovery was a singular case, as it completely changed the field of medicine." - "This is a singular case where the defendant has pleaded guilty." - "In this singular case, we may need to consult with legal experts for further guidance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

However, there was a singular case; for this singularity, a counterexample was given by Gǎvruta [11].

Advances in Difference Equations

However, there was a singular case; for this singularity acounterexample was given by P. Gavruta [8].

Mathematical Sciences

But the novel is ultimately animated by a tantalizing question: Is Hofmeester an Everyman or a singular case?

The New York Times - Books

This is not a singular case for the commission, where no-bid, zero-transparency contracts seem distressingly common.

The New York Times

Elasto-plasticity is shown to be a singular case of hypo-plasticity.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

As there are no antecedents on this empirical scope, this research is explanatory; specifically, it is a singular case study.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

But Mr. Bolen at the National Business Aviation Association said that the ProPublica case was a singular event and that the court "was clear that its decision was in no way related to the real-time or near real-time release of data nor called for a change in the BARR program".

The New York Times

This case was not a singular event.

International Journal for Educational Integrity

It seems a truly singular case.

Independent

The SLR method is analyzed in terms of traditional scattering data, and shown to be a special (singular) case of the IST approach.

Journal of Magnetic Resonance

Having reviewed these categories, I would say that nuclear weaponry seems to be an almost singular case.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular case" when you want to emphasize that something is unique, unusual, or stands out from the norm. This phrase is effective in highlighting exceptions or anomalies in research, news reporting, or general discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular case" when describing ordinary or common occurrences. This phrase is best reserved for situations that genuinely deviate from the expected or typical, to maintain its impact and avoid diluting its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular case" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies a specific instance or example as being unique or exceptional. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and diverse usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

36%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a singular case" is a grammatically sound and widely applicable expression used to emphasize the unique or exceptional nature of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and demonstrates its presence in various contexts such as Science, News & Media, and Academia.

While frequently employed in academic and scientific writing to highlight specific anomalies or exceptional research findings, it also appears in news reporting to draw attention to unusual events. Remember to reserve it for genuinely exceptional situations, as overuse can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "a unique instance" or "an unusual circumstance" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique instance

Focuses on the uniqueness of the occurrence rather than the broader concept of a "case".

an exceptional situation

Highlights the deviation from the norm, emphasizing the unusual circumstances.

an isolated incident

Implies a lack of connection to other similar events, suggesting it's a one-time occurrence.

an unprecedented event

Stresses the lack of prior occurrences, indicating a novel situation.

a rare occurrence

Emphasizes the infrequency of the event, suggesting it's not commonly observed.

a one-off situation

Indicates that the situation is not part of a series or pattern, and is happening only once.

an atypical example

Focuses on the deviation from the typical characteristics of a category or group.

an unusual circumstance

Highlights that the set of conditions surrounding the case are out of the ordinary.

a peculiar instance

Draws attention to the strangeness or oddity of the specific situation.

a distinctive example

Stresses the clear differentiation of the example from others in its category.

FAQs

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

Use "a singular case" to describe something unique or exceptional, like: "The patient's recovery was "a singular case", defying all medical predictions."

What's the difference between "a singular case" and "a special case"?

"A singular case" emphasizes uniqueness, while "a special case" suggests preferential treatment or a specific condition requiring different handling.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a singular case"?

Alternatives include "a unique instance", "an exceptional situation", or "an unusual circumstance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "a singular case"?

The phrase "a singular case" is appropriate in contexts where you wish to highlight the exceptional or unique nature of a situation, such as in scientific research, legal proceedings, or when discussing unusual events.