a singular one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the uniqueness or individuality of something in comparison to others. Example: "Among all the options available, I found a singular one that truly stood out to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The LFB is clear that the event was "a singular one," he adds.

The Guardian

And while it's an extreme case, it's hardly a singular one.

The New York Times - Magazine

Munch is all but placeless in standard art history, not exactly a marginal case but definitely a singular one.

The New Yorker

This is a highbrow impression, and possibly also a singular one, since not even Goldsmith has read the book all the way through.

The New Yorker

It is based on a splitting of the space of solutions in a regular subspace, and a singular one, derived from the singular solutions of the Laplace problem.

Journal of Computational Physics

As culture is a complicated notion and has been conceptualised in many different ways, the cultural analysis of housing involves a rich variety of approaches rather than a singular one, which continue to shift as a result of the changing methodologies of different disciplines generation after generation.

International Encyclopedia of Housing and Home

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"This was a singular, one-time event in my life that does not have any impact on my work," he said.

The New York Times

Honestly, whether we live in a singular, one-and-only universe uniquely and finely tuned for life, or in a microscopically small, habitable corner of an infinitely expanding multiverse, I do not believe that science has disproved God.

Huffington Post

The new college will hopefully engage many diverse lines of effort, eschewing the hegemony of any singular one with a brilliant charismatic leader, because such persons do hold back the clock, and more visibly so after they pass away.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I had never read anything like it before — a powerful writer not only writing about a fantastically singular one but imagining that life fictionally.

The New Yorker

The case where the reaction is both instantaneous and irreversible is a doubly singular one.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular one" to emphasize the exceptional nature of something, making it clear that it stands apart from others in its category.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular one" when a simpler adjective like "unique" or "special" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular one" functions as an adjectival phrase emphasizing the uniqueness or individuality of a noun. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in highlighting exceptional events, cases, or perspectives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a singular one" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the unique or exceptional nature of something. Ludwig AI's analysis of real-world examples reveals that it is most commonly found in news and media, science, and academic contexts. While not exceedingly common, it serves a valuable purpose in highlighting distinctiveness. When using this phrase, consider if a simpler alternative might be more appropriate to avoid sounding overly verbose. Related phrases, such as "a unique instance" or "an exceptional case", can offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique instance

Focuses on the individuality of the event or item.

an exceptional case

Highlights the rarity and unusual nature of the situation.

a distinctive example

Emphasizes the characteristic qualities that set it apart.

an isolated occurrence

Stresses the lack of similar events or cases.

a rare phenomenon

Underscores the infrequency and remarkable nature of the event.

a one-off situation

Implies that the event is unlikely to be repeated.

a special occasion

Highlights the importance and distinctiveness of the event.

an unprecedented event

Emphasizes the lack of prior instances or parallels.

a remarkable instance

Highlights the noteworthiness and impressiveness of the situation.

an uncommon affair

Suggests that the event is not frequently encountered.

FAQs

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

You can use "a singular one" to emphasize the uniqueness of something. For example, "The Grenfell Tower event was "a singular one", according to the LFB."

What are some alternatives to using "a singular one"?

Alternatives include "a unique instance", "an exceptional case", or "a distinctive example", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "a" before "singular one"?

Yes, the article "a" is necessary because "singular" is an adjective modifying a countable noun ("one"). Omitting "a" would be grammatically incorrect.

In what contexts is "a singular one" most appropriate?

"A singular one" is appropriate when you want to highlight that something is particularly unusual, noteworthy, or unlike others of its kind. It works well in both formal and informal contexts.