a singular individual

USAGE SUMMARY

"a singular individual" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone who stands out from the rest because of their uniqueness and individuality. For example: "He was a singular individual, whose innovative and creative mind produced groundbreaking results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A singular individual, he has lived life, as he puts it, 'on the wrong end of the seesaw'.

The Guardian

He admits to his vulnerability, that he is a singular individual who wanted often simply to escape cricket and cricket talk.

Independent

So the stuff making up a c is not a singular individual or composed of singular entities.

SEP

They are huddled together in a gray mass; a singular individual (a woman, perhaps?) stands apart from the group in a ghostly, white gown.

Huffington Post

His father, a self-made man who had risen to be Coventry City Treasurer, was a singular individual, 'nihilistically disillusioned in middle age', who combined a love of literature with an enthusiasm for Nazism, and had attended two Nuremberg rallies during the mid-'30s.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It's not up to any singular individual to pre-judge the artistry of another individual".

Huffington Post

The Global Goal to InSpire the agreed policy framework and to grow the 180 INDCs (estimated by Dec 1) toward the light of financing and implementation trumped any singular, individual national concern.

Huffington Post

But from the beginning her work was infused with a sense of the poet as a unique individual with singular passions.

The New York Times - Books

In this context, defining the perimeter of legitimacy of clinical psychology, a "fact" specifically psychological necessarily corresponds to an act which takes existence and feel like segment of a human drama, as an effective act of the singular individual.

Pratiques Psychologiques

It's Jean Prouvé at The Design Museum: the first exhibition of this singular individual with a line so hard it makes Le Corbusier appear an effeminate dilettante.

The Guardian - Arts

According to Mill, typical singular (individual) names such as 'Scott' denote their referents but lack any connotation, that is to say the names do not imply any attribute.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular individual" when you want to emphasize someone's uniqueness and how they deviate from the norm. This phrase suggests a blend of individuality and distinction, highlighting their special attributes.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular individual" excessively in overly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, simpler terms like "unique person" or "distinctive individual" can often be more direct and effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular individual" functions as a noun phrase. It serves to describe a person who is unique or stands out in some way. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a singular individual" is used to describe a person who stands out due to their unique and distinctive qualities. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, and less so in more formal or academic settings, it's a valuable phrase for emphasizing someone's exceptional nature. Consider alternative phrasings like "a unique person" or "a distinctive character" to fine-tune your message depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a one-of-a-kind individual

Highlights the irreplaceable nature of the individual.

a unique person

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and unmatched qualities of the individual.

an exceptional individual

Highlights the individual's superior qualities and abilities.

a remarkable person

Focuses on the noteworthy and extraordinary aspects of the individual.

a distinctive character

Highlights a memorable and easily recognizable personality.

an unparalleled person

Stresses that the individual has no equal.

an extraordinary soul

Emphasizes the individual's profound and uncommon spirit.

an original thinker

Focuses on the person's innovative and unconventional thought processes.

a nonconformist

Highlights someone who does not adhere to conventional standards.

an iconoclast

Emphasizes the individual's role as a breaker of established norms and traditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a singular individual" to describe someone who stands out because of their unique qualities or actions. For example, "The artist was a singular individual, known for his unconventional techniques and groundbreaking creations."

What are some alternatives to "a singular individual"?

Alternatives to "a singular individual" include "a unique individual", "a distinctive person", or "an exceptional person", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "singular individual" since 'individual' implies singularity?

While 'individual' does imply singularity, using "a singular individual" emphasizes the unique or remarkable nature of that person, making the phrase more emphatic than just using "individual" alone.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "a singular individual"?

It's appropriate to use "a singular individual" when you wish to highlight not only the individuality of a person but also their distinctiveness or exceptional nature, often in a context where these qualities are particularly noteworthy.