a singular genius

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular genius" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is exceptionally talented or unique in their abilities or creativity. Example: "Many consider Albert Einstein to be a singular genius in the field of physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

ALBERT EINSTEIN was a singular genius.

The Economist

Today he is a toweringly important painter whose work is seen as the expression of a singular genius.

The Guardian - Arts

It is a Randian territory of lone saviors (Jack Bauer, John Connor, Gregory House) bushwhacking through impending catastrophe with the weaponry of a singular genius.

The New York Times - Arts

In the Baroque era, Bach, Handel, and other masters routinely recycled their own music and reworked the music of others; the idea of the composer as a singular genius blazing an original path was essentially alien before the advent of Beethoven.

The New Yorker

The book was his second major attempt to counter the view of Shakespeare as a singular genius; a few years earlier, he had served as one of two general editors of the Oxford Shakespeare, which credited co-authors for five of Shakespeare's plays.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Servillo is a singular star.

The Guardian - Film

The best thing about Chris Smith's documentary "Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond — Featuring a Very Special, Contractually Obligated Mention of Tony Clifton," which is streaming on Netflix, is that it serves as a reminder of Andy Kaufman's singular genius.

The New Yorker

A life of the author of "The Songlines," who died of AIDS in 1989, portrays a man beset with an almost biological lust for loneliness, whose singular genius was for passionate transitory connection.

The New York Times - Books

This life of the author of "The Songlines, who died of AIDS in 1989, portrays a man, beset with an almost biological lust for loneliness, whose singular genius was for passionate transitory connection.

The New York Times - Books

And in this all-Ashton programme we're treated to a masterclass in the qualities of his singular genius.

The Guardian

For Schaap, Bird not only lives; he is the singular genius of mid-century American music, a dynamo of virtuosity, improvisation, harmony, velocity, and feeling, and no aspect of his brief career is beneath consideration.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular genius" to give emphasis to the unique and exceptional intellectual or creative abilities of an individual. It suggests that their talent stands apart from others.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular genius" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or exaggerated in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler, more natural phrasing like "exceptionally talented" or "remarkably creative".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular genius" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "genius". It serves to emphasize the exceptional and unique nature of the individual's intellectual or creative capacity. Ludwig AI examples showcase this usage in describing historical figures and artists.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a singular genius" is a phrase used to describe an individual with exceptional and unique intellectual or creative abilities. It's grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts, although its use is relatively rare. Ludwig AI data underscores its function as a high form of praise. To ensure effective communication, it is advisable to use it in neutral to formal settings where emphasis on exceptional talent is needed and to avoid overuse in casual contexts where simpler phrasing may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptional talent

Replaces "genius" with "talent", focusing on outstanding aptitude in a specific area.

a unique intellect

Substitutes "genius" with "intellect", highlighting remarkable cognitive ability.

an extraordinary mind

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of someone's thinking and mental capacity.

a remarkable visionary

Highlights someone with outstanding foresight and creativity.

a prodigious intellect

Highlights exceptional early development and mastery of intellectual skills.

an unparalleled mind

Stresses the unmatched or unrivaled nature of someone's intelligence.

a one-of-a-kind talent

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and rarity of someone's abilities.

a gifted individual

Focuses on the innate or natural talent possessed by someone.

an astute thinker

Emphasizes someone's sharpness, intelligence and analytical skills.

a masterful innovator

Highlights someone's exceptional skill in creating and introducing new ideas or methods.

FAQs

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

You can use "a singular genius" to describe someone with exceptional and unique talent, as in, "Many consider Einstein to be "a singular genius" in physics".

What are some alternatives to "a singular genius"?

Alternatives include "an exceptional talent", "a unique intellect", or "an extraordinary mind", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "singular genius" without the article "a"?

While "singular genius" can be used, including the article "a" emphasizes the individual as one particular example of such genius. Omitting "a" may make it sound more like a general category or abstract concept.

What's the difference between "a singular genius" and "a remarkable talent"?

"A singular genius" implies a higher level of exceptional and unique intellectual ability, while "a remarkable talent" suggests outstanding skill or aptitude in a specific area.