a singular issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific, unique problem or topic that stands out from others. Example: "In our discussion, we need to focus on a singular issue that has been affecting our project’s progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

All this makes global warming a singular issue in American politics.

The New York Times

These cases are more than just ruling on a singular issue like digital privacy.

Harvard Business Review

A cackle of rads who want 2 crucify other women w/ whom they disagree on a singular issue".

The New York Times

This past year, Woods added a major government agency partner to its Environmental Policy Internships in California (EPIC) program, centered its Forum for Undergraduate Environmental Leadership (FUEL) around a singular issue, and expanded the bipartisan reach of its Rising Environmental Leaders Program RELPP).

Stanford University

What's trending in the industry beyond a singular issue?

Forbes

For instance, the trend of increasing life-expectancies is not a singular issue but consist of numerous different factors.

European Journal of Futures Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Responding to that oddity, Angelo called me out for "wrongly predicting" that the group would endorse Trump, and said they didn't endorse Trump because "we were not looking at Trump for any singular issue," and the "greatest hesitation" in endorsing him was that "this man never held elected office" and "there were no guideposts".

Huffington Post

Answer: because civil rights after a murderous Civil War and decades of segregation in one lagging region make it a more singular issue.

Huffington Post

I think we haven't focused on any singular issues that are taxing the voters".

The New York Times

Join your natural allies, instead of waiting on an event that supports one singular issue.

HuffPost

Uniting female footballers over this singular issue, argues Asante, marked a turning point for the sport.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular issue" when you want to emphasize that a particular problem or topic is distinct and requires focused attention. It can help highlight the importance of addressing it separately from other concerns.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular issue" when the context already implies uniqueness or specificity. For example, saying "the only singular issue" is redundant. Instead, simply state "the only issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular issue" functions as a noun phrase, where 'singular' modifies 'issue'. It identifies a specific problem or matter, emphasizing its unique or distinct nature. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a singular issue" is a grammatically correct phrase used to highlight a specific and unique problem. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, noting its presence across various reputable sources. While not exceptionally frequent, it is common enough for everyday writing, especially when emphasizing the distinct nature of an issue. The phrase is most commonly found in news, academic and scientific contexts, making it appropriate for various writing styles. To avoid redundancy, it's best to reserve its use for situations where the uniqueness of the issue needs to be emphasized. Consider alternatives like "a unique issue" or "a specific issue" to add variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique issue

Replaces 'singular' with 'unique' emphasizing the distinctiveness of the issue.

a specific issue

Replaces 'singular' with 'specific' focusing on the defined nature of the issue.

a particular issue

Replaces 'singular' with 'particular', highlighting a certain individual issue.

a distinct issue

Emphasizes the issue as being clearly differentiated from others.

a one-off issue

Highlights that this issue is not repetitive and happens only once.

an isolated issue

Highlights the issue as detached or separated from related problems.

a standalone issue

Highlights that the issue can be addressed separately.

a discrete issue

Emphasizes the clear and individual nature of the issue.

an individual issue

Highlights that the issue is separate from others.

a primary issue

Focuses on a main and maybe the only issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "a singular issue" to emphasize that a specific problem is unique and requires dedicated attention. For example: "The project's success hinges on resolving "a singular issue": resource allocation."

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

You can use alternatives like "a unique issue", "a specific issue", or "a particular issue" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a singular issue" and "a single issue"?

"A singular issue" emphasizes the uniqueness or distinctiveness of the problem, while "a single issue" simply refers to one problem among many. Therefore "a singular issue" may imply it requires very specific handling.

Is it appropriate to use "a singular issue" in formal writing?

Yes, "a singular issue" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you need to highlight the specific and unique nature of a problem. Its formal tone is more appropriate than terms like "a one-off issue".