a singular instance of absence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular instance of absence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific occurrence where something is missing or not present. Example: "In the report, the author noted a singular instance of absence that raised questions about the data's reliability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 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

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

This isn't a singular instance.

Huffington Post

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

Hers is a singular example of literary independence.

The New Yorker

There is a singular absence of patient experience audit.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control

Now, thanks to Janny Scott's remarkable "A Singular Woman," absence has become presence.

The New York Times

To address another sort of identity question, we look for instance-wise criteria that establish when an object is this or that singular object, or an instance of a multiple object.

SEP

It was a singular act of courage.

The New Yorker

"You showed a singular lack of restraint.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a singular instance of absence", ensure the context clearly establishes what is absent and why its uniqueness is important. Use this phrase to draw attention to a specific, noteworthy lack rather than a general absence.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular instance of absence" in informal contexts where simpler phrasing like "a rare absence" or "an unusual lack" would be more appropriate. This phrase is best suited for formal or analytical writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular instance of absence" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific and unique occurrence where something is not present. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a singular instance of absence" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to emphasize a unique or isolated case of something being missing. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct, but examples are missing. The analysis suggests that it's most suitable for formal and analytical writing. Due to its formal nature, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual contexts. While grammatically correct, its rare occurrence suggests considering alternative phrasings to enhance clarity and accessibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A unique case of absence

Replaces "singular" with "unique", emphasizing the distinctiveness of the absence.

An isolated instance of absence

Uses "isolated" to highlight the separation of the absence from other occurrences.

A rare occurrence of absence

Emphasizes the infrequency of the absence using "rare".

An exceptional case of absence

Highlights the unusual nature of the absence with "exceptional".

A solitary instance of absence

Replaces "singular" with "solitary", stressing the isolated nature.

A lone instance of absence

Uses "lone" to convey the idea of the absence being the only one of its kind.

A distinct instance of absence

Emphasizes the clearness and obviousness of the absence.

One-off absence

Replaces the entire phrase with a shorter, more informal term indicating a single occurrence.

Unparalleled absence

Emphasizes the absence being unmatched or unequaled.

Uncommon lack

Shifts focus to 'lack' and describes it as uncommon, implying rarity.

FAQs

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

This phrase is used to highlight a specific case where something is notably missing. For example, "The investigation revealed "a singular instance of absence" in the financial records, raising suspicion of fraud."

What are some alternatives to "a singular instance of absence"?

Consider using phrases like "a unique case of absence", "an isolated instance of absence", or "a rare occurrence of absence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a singular absence" or "a singular instance of absence"?

While "a singular absence" is grammatically correct, ""a singular instance of absence"" provides more context by explicitly referring to a particular occurrence. The choice depends on the desired level of specificity.

What does "singular" mean in the context of "a singular instance of absence"?

In this context, "singular" means unique, exceptional, or standing out from others. It emphasizes that the absence is a specific and noteworthy occurrence, rather than a common or recurring one.