a singular occurrence

USAGE SUMMARY

"a singular occurrence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is unusual, unique, infrequent or one-of-a-kind. For example: The winning touchdown in the final moments of the game was a singular occurrence that shocked everyone in the stadium.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

His story is part of a common narrative, not a singular occurrence.

The Guardian

There were some pockets of the city where homicide was a singular occurrence: 12 of the city's 77 police precincts, in locations as varied as Hamilton Heights, in Upper Manhattan, and Park Slope, Brooklyn, had logged one each through Sunday.

The New York Times

Because they covered only a single month in 2003, it could not be determined if the pattern of payments to the nine people was a singular occurrence, or continued closer in proximity to the hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions that Mr. Hsu eventually bundled.

The New York Times

That isn't a singular occurrence, it was just the worst day.

BBC

And it is perfectly clear that, for example, the singular substantives 'rabbit', 'tree' and 'planet' do satisfy the object-concept; for insofar as such (a singular occurrence of) a general term as 'rabbit', 'tree' or 'planet' is true of anything, it is true, in virtue of its meaning, of just one item at a time.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Both US Airways and American Airlines say they will not increase, which between you, me and the world population would be a spectacularly singular occurrence since it would go against every last historical president the industry, or any industry, has set.

Huffington Post

Jarre took his spectacular show to China in 1981, an incredible and singular occurrence at the time.

The Guardian - Music

How you regard this singular occurrence depends on your point of view.

The New Yorker

This follows from its treatment of bare singular occurrences of names as definite descriptions, where a given name "N" is analyzed as the x s.t.

University of Chicago

If one is also concerned with causal explanation if one holds that singular occurrences are explained by citing their causes then the causal completeness of physics in turn commits multiple realizability proponents to physics' possessing an important variety of explanatory completeness that all other sciences lack.

SEP

The majority of farms reported singular occurrences of births and deaths.

BMC Veterinary Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular occurrence" to emphasize the uniqueness or rarity of an event, distinguishing it from common or typical occurrences. This can add emphasis and highlight its importance in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular occurrence" when describing everyday events. This phrase is best reserved for instances that are truly exceptional or unusual, as overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular occurrence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and describes a specific event or instance as unique and rare, and Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a singular occurrence" is a noun phrase used to describe an event that is unique, rare, or exceptional. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts, such as news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While the phrase effectively emphasizes the distinct nature of an event, it should be used judiciously to avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "a unique event" or "a rare instance" can be used to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique event

Focuses on the uniqueness of the event, emphasizing its distinct character.

a rare instance

Highlights the infrequency of the occurrence, suggesting it is not commonly observed.

an exceptional case

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm, indicating the occurrence is unusual and noteworthy.

an isolated incident

Stresses the separation of the occurrence from other related events, suggesting it stands alone.

an uncommon phenomenon

Highlights the unusual nature of the event, often used in scientific or analytical contexts.

a one-time happening

Emphasizes that the occurrence happened only once and is not expected to repeat.

a freak event

Suggests an unusual and unexpected nature, often with implications of surprise or shock.

a peculiar incident

Highlights the odd or strange nature of the occurrence, suggesting it is out of the ordinary.

an unprecedented situation

Emphasizes that the occurrence has never happened before, marking it as novel and groundbreaking.

an isolated occasion

Highlights that the occasion is separated from related events, suggesting it stands alone.

FAQs

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

Use "a singular occurrence" to describe something unique or rare. For example, "The unexpected discovery was "a singular occurrence" in the history of the field."

What's the difference between "a singular occurrence" and "a unique event"?

While both describe something unusual, ""a singular occurrence"" emphasizes the rarity and isolation of the event, whereas "a unique event" highlights its distinctiveness and originality.

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

You can use alternatives like "a rare instance", "an uncommon phenomenon", or "an exceptional case" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a singular occurrence" formal or informal?

"A singular occurrence" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for academic, scientific, or professional contexts. In more informal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred.