a singular happening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular happening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or occurrence that is unique or one-of-a-kind. Example: "The festival was a singular happening that brought together people from all walks of life to celebrate art and culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I've been to perhaps too many art shows and art fairs and countless fundraisers this winter, but Mad About Art, Fountain Gallery's Annual Art Auction and Benefit held at Skylight West recently was a singular happening that turned me on and reminded me about the importance of both culture and giving back.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Larry Vigon Chicago, March 21 , 2011• To the Editor: Western support for the popular eruptions in the Middle East is rooted in a hope that something genuinely singular is happening, that young idealists, having experienced the borderless freedom of the Internet, will lead their homelands away from corrupt tyrannies and toward pluralistic democracies.

The New York Times

To find a soul mate is extremely difficult for a singular person, it might happen just once in a lifetime.

Vice

On the question of what novelists, in contrast to traditional reportage, can offer in the case of the refugee crisis, James talked about the desire for the media to look at dislocation as "a singular thing", something that "happens to other people", which allows for us to ignore not only the details of their situation but what they are running from.

The Guardian - Books

If the driving sequence is further restricted by originating from a limited alphabet, say binary phase shift keying (BPSK), it can very well happen that a singular value larger than one exists, but the excitation can never work in direction of its corresponding vector.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

As Stone is keen to press, conversion disorder is usually something that happens to a singular person.

Vice

Sometimes depression and anxiety come in patches, or can just happen for a singular stretch of time.

Vice

"An area I'm really passionate about is that a museum experience, an aquarium experience, shouldn't happen at a singular address," she said.

Los Angeles Times

He said his knowledge of security protocols and procedures provided him with a singular ability to analyze what happened that day in Newtown, and highlight what he believed to be the government's many lies.

Vice

Each season Mr. Macdonald sends out a collection unrelated to the last, or to anything else happening in fashion, a singular achievement that has put him, and Givenchy, in a weird cul-de-sac.

The New York Times

Gary Younge, in the Guardian, warned against simplistic analyses that "seek, with a singular linear thesis, to explain what happened and what we should do about it".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular happening" to describe an event that is not only unique but also transformative or impactful. It's stronger than just saying "a unique event".

Common error

Avoid using "a singular happening" to describe ordinary events. This phrase carries a connotation of rarity and significance, so reserve it for truly exceptional occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular happening" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI provides examples showcasing its use in describing events of cultural significance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a singular happening" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a unique and noteworthy event. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not frequently used, it conveys a sense of importance and distinctiveness, suggesting an event that is both rare and impactful. When choosing to use this phrase, consider its formal tone and reserve it for occasions that genuinely warrant such emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique event

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and unparalleled nature of the event.

an extraordinary occurrence

Highlights the exceptional and remarkable quality of the event.

a remarkable phenomenon

Focuses on the striking and unusual nature of the event.

an unprecedented event

Stresses that the event has never happened before.

a once-in-a-lifetime experience

Highlights the rarity and specialness of the event.

a memorable occasion

Focuses on the event's capacity to be remembered and cherished.

an exceptional circumstance

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm and the unusual nature of the situation.

a distinctive happening

Highlights the quality of being easily distinguishable from other events.

a special occasion

Emphasizes the importance and significance of the event.

an unusual event

Stresses the uncommon and atypical character of the event.

FAQs

What does "a singular happening" mean?

The phrase "a singular happening" describes an event or occurrence that is unique, remarkable, and often transformative. It implies something special and out of the ordinary.

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

You might say, "The concert was "a singular happening" that brought together musicians from around the world," to emphasize the event's unique and impactful nature.

What are some alternatives to "a singular happening"?

Alternatives include "a unique event", "an extraordinary occurrence", or "a remarkable phenomenon". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a singular happening" formal or informal?

The phrase "a singular happening" leans towards a more formal register, suitable for news articles, essays, or speeches where you want to emphasize the exceptional quality of an event. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferred.