a singular gift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular gift" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a unique or one-of-a-kind present or talent that stands out from others. Example: "Her ability to connect with people on a deep level is truly a singular gift that not many possess."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This anthology of sketches was the show that established Mr. Ives as a playwright with a singular gift for turning writerly self-consciousness into short-form intellectual slapstick.

The New York Times

From an early age, he displayed a singular gift for devouring books at a breakneck clip, reading Tolstoy's "War and Peace" in a day, according to publishing legend.

The New York Times

The laserlike focus of the young Tiger Woods was a singular gift, and his practice routine with his father may be replicable, if at all, once in a generation.

The New York Times - Magazine

I remember thinking von Trier had a singular gift for provocation when I attended a press screening of The Idiots (1998), that culminated with a journalist stomping off during the final credits shouting, "Bollocks!" repeatedly.

The Guardian - Film

Three years ago, the animal-rights organization, which has a singular gift for public relations, offered a million dollars to the first group that could create "an in-vitro chicken-meat product that has a taste and texture indistinguishable from real chicken flesh".

The New Yorker

From the first, the Brooklyn mama's boy who left high school and crossed the river to Manhattan to find work at Warhol's Factory gave evidence of a singular gift and cultural contribution: an innate ability to capture and transmit the essence of cool.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Dramatic, emotional, even heartbreaking, as well as wickedly funny, it has the gift of going its own way, a complete success from a singular talent.

Los Angeles Times

Mr. Obama and his advisers regarded Mr. Summers as a singular talent: an economist deeply steeped in economic theory, but intellectually nimble, with a gift for pragmatic problem-solving.

The New York Times

Stirring cinema from a singular talent.

Independent

While Ms. McDonald is a more than capable actor, she is a one-of-a-kind musical supertalent whose temporary sabbatical robbed the world of her singular gift at a moment when her voice was in its prime.

The New York Times

While Ms. McDonald is a more than capable actor, she is a one-of-a-kind musical super-talent whose temporary sabbatical robbed the world of her singular gift at a moment when her voice was in its prime.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular gift" to describe a talent or ability that is not only exceptional but also defines a person or their work in a unique way.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular gift" to describe ordinary talents or abilities. This phrase is best reserved for truly exceptional and distinctive qualities, as overuse can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular gift" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a noun. It modifies the noun "gift", emphasizing its unique and exceptional nature. It highlights a talent or ability that stands out from others, as seen in Ludwig examples where it describes unique talents in writing, sports, and public relations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a singular gift" is used to describe a talent or ability that is unique and exceptional. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "a unique talent" or "an exceptional ability" exist, "a singular gift" emphasizes the distinctiveness and rarity of the quality. When using the phrase, reserve it for truly remarkable attributes to maintain its impact. Its function is to express admiration and its register is generally neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique talent

Emphasizes the one-of-a-kind nature of the talent.

an exceptional ability

Highlights the above-average skill or capacity.

a remarkable aptitude

Focuses on the natural inclination and skill.

a special gift

Uses "special" instead of "singular", conveying a similar meaning.

a distinctive talent

Highlights the characteristic and unique quality of the talent.

a rare skill

Emphasizes the infrequency of the skill.

an extraordinary capability

Stresses the exceptional and unusual nature of the ability.

an unparalleled skill

Focuses on the unmatched quality of the skill.

an uncommon talent

Emphasizes the infrequency of the talent being referred to.

a one-of-a-kind ability

Stresses the unique and irreplaceable nature of the ability.

FAQs

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

You can use "a singular gift" to describe an exceptional talent or ability that someone possesses. For example, "Her "singular gift" for connecting with people made her an excellent therapist."

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

You can use alternatives like "a unique talent", "an exceptional ability", or "a remarkable aptitude" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a singular gift" or "a unique gift"?

Both "a singular gift" and "a unique gift" are correct, but "singular" emphasizes the distinctiveness and rarity of the gift, while "unique" simply means one-of-a-kind.

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

"A special gift" suggests something that is valued or cherished, while "a singular gift" emphasizes the unique and exceptional nature of the talent or ability itself.