a singular instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a unique or one-time occurrence of something. Example: "In this study, we observed a singular instance of the phenomenon that had not been documented before."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The targeting of Beard is hardly a singular instance of online misogyny, and she is quick to note that there are differences of degree.

The New Yorker

This isn't a singular instance.

Huffington Post

Yours was not a singular instance of pain and humiliation, as interahamwe militia systematically killed your family and neighbors.

Huffington Post

But do we reallyneed Ofcom looking into a singular instance of "perhaps more breasts than some think necessary"?

Vice

Figure 8 A singular ( κ, n ) -simplex.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

For instance, we might commonly say "The team needs to get their equipment loaded on the bus," while it should be "its equipment" because team is a singular noun.[9].

WikiHow

According to Maimonides, there are 11 kinds of prophecy ranging from a simple type of Divine inspiration called "Ruach haKodesh" (the Holy Spirit) to the singular instance of the "face-to-face" communication that Moses experienced.

HuffPost

MD, a singular IgG4-RD, was considered part of pSS for a long time [ 9].

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Survive as a singular dormant cell, 5B).

BMC Cancer

With each of these stimuli, there is normally only a singular series of Ca2+ oscillations.

Biology of the Cell

The diffeomorphisms f in this example has been widely studied by Bereanu and Mawhin (see, for instance, [32, 33]) and is a type of singular ϕ-Laplacian known as the mean curvature operator of the Minkowski space.

Boundary Value Problems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular instance" to emphasize the uniqueness or rarity of an event or situation. This can add weight to your argument or description.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular instance" when a simpler term like "example" or "case" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It denotes a specific occurrence or example that is unique or rare. Since Ludwig doesn't have examples, this analysis is based on the phrase's inherent structure.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a singular instance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a unique or rare occurrence. While Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, the absence of examples suggests it may not be as frequently used as simpler alternatives like "a unique case" or "an isolated example". It tends to appear in more formal writing contexts to emphasize the exceptional nature of something. When choosing between "a singular instance" and its alternatives, consider the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique occurrence

Emphasizes the distinct and unrepeatable nature of the event.

an isolated case

Highlights the separation and lack of connection to other similar events.

an exceptional example

Focuses on the rarity and outstanding quality of the instance.

a one-time event

Stresses that the event happened only once and is not recurring.

an unprecedented situation

Indicates that there is no prior example or parallel to the current situation.

an uncommon incident

Highlights that the incident does not occur very often.

a rare phenomenon

Used to describe a natural or scientific occurrence that is not frequently observed.

a solitary occasion

Emphasizes that the occasion was the only one of its kind.

a standalone example

Suggests the example is complete and self-explanatory without needing other examples.

a discrete event

Highlights the event's clear boundaries and separateness from other events.

FAQs

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

You can use "a singular instance" to describe a unique or rare occurrence. For example: "This study presents a singular instance of a phenomenon previously unobserved."

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

Alternatives include "a unique occurrence", "an isolated case", or "an exceptional example", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a unique instance" might be preferred for clarity and conciseness in many contexts. "A singular instance" often emphasizes rarity or special character.

What's the difference between "a singular instance" and "a particular instance"?

"A particular instance" refers to a specific example out of many, while "a singular instance" denotes a unique or rare occurrence that stands out from others. So the difference lies on emphasis, uniqueness or specificity.