a singular example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a unique or one-of-a-kind instance of something, often to highlight its distinctiveness. Example: "In the study of rare species, the discovery of the blue whale serves as a singular example of marine life adaptation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Hers is a singular example of literary independence.

The New Yorker

And Mr. James is not a singular example.

The New York Times

Indeed, Germany is lifted up as a singular example of a moral nation, a nation that has faced its history honestly, the world champions of memory.

The New York Times

However flawed aspects of the military strategy were — three months of aerial bombing with no contingency for ground troops — the Kosovo war was a singular example of American power creating international coöperation on behalf of stability and human rights.

The New Yorker

First up is Alex Garland's Annihilation, due out in February, which would merit a place solely because the British film-maker's last effort, Ex Machina, was a singular example of a cerebral, gripping futuristic think piece.

The Guardian - Film

A singular example of how good authorised biographies can, and should, be.Soul of the Age: A Biography of the Mind of William Shakespeare.By Jonathan Bate.Random House; 496 pages; $35.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Mr. Adelson, the chairman of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, is a casino magnate, a powerful Republican donor, a patron of education and a fierce defender of Israel, and his myriad interests present an almost singular example of how aggressive journalism can collide with the pursuits of a paper's owner.

The New York Times

However, some are using the Macklemore story to paint a narrative of one singular example of rap's potential for positivity in a sea of endlessly destructive music.

The Guardian - Opinion

This book covers its application in the turbulent history of the island, which provides a singular if not a unique example of the sustenance of constitutional order in extreme circumstances; constitutionalism in full swing.

Stanford University

Despite these radical departures from the model prokaryotic riboswitch expression platform, it remains that this singular example of a eukaryotic riboswitch is involved in the regulation of a biosynthetic pathway [ 16].

Biology Direct

When Strait first emerged, he was sometimes grouped with other old-fashioned country singers, such as John Anderson and Ricky Skaggs, but he soon became the singular example for a generation to follow: the "hat acts," they were called, and not always fondly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular example" when you want to emphasize the unique or exceptional nature of a particular instance.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular example" in situations where a simple "example" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular example" functions as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and emphasize a particular instance as unique or exceptional. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a singular example" is a valid and frequently used expression that serves to emphasize the unique or exceptional nature of a particular instance. As verified by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears across a variety of contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While generally neutral in register, it adds a layer of emphasis that may not be necessary in very informal contexts. Alternatives such as "a unique instance" or "an exceptional case" can provide similar emphasis. Therefore, use "a singular example" judiciously to highlight distinctiveness without sounding pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique instance

Replaces "example" with "instance" to highlight a particular occurrence.

a one-of-a-kind instance

Emphasizes uniqueness with "one-of-a-kind", replacing "singular" and "example" with "instance".

an exceptional case

Substitutes "singular" with "exceptional", focusing on the rarity and superiority of the example.

a prime illustration

Highlights the superior quality of the example using "prime" instead of "singular", and replaces "example" with "illustration".

a rare illustration

Uses "illustration" instead of "example" to suggest a clarifying instance, and "rare" for emphasis.

a distinctive specimen

Employs "specimen" to imply a representative sample, emphasizing its distinctive qualities.

an unparalleled demonstration

Replaces "example" with "demonstration" to suggest a showcasing, highlighting its unparalleled nature.

a notable occurrence

Substitutes "example" with "occurrence" to denote an event, emphasizing its noteworthiness.

a remarkable precedent

Uses "precedent" instead of "example" to suggest a guiding case, highlighting its remarkability.

an atypical manifestation

Replaces "example" with "manifestation" to imply an appearance, emphasizing its atypical nature.

FAQs

What does "a singular example" mean?

The phrase "a singular example" refers to a unique or exceptional instance of something, highlighting its distinctiveness or rarity.

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

You can use it to emphasize the unique nature of something, as in: "Her dedication to the project was "a singular example" of commitment."

What are some alternatives to "a singular example"?

You can use alternatives like "a unique instance", "an exceptional case", or "a rare illustration" depending on the context.

Is "a singular example" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally suitable for formal writing, but can also be used in neutral contexts where emphasis is desired. In very informal situations, a simpler phrase might be more appropriate.