a singular person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the individuality or uniqueness of a person in a given context. Example: "In a world full of trends, she remains a singular person, true to her own style and beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It's not a secretive process and it's not just a matter of a singular person's whims or personal tastes.

HuffPost

They call me "a singular person".

The Guardian - Arts

Graves was altogether a singular person.

The Guardian - Books

Ryan is a singular person, but his humanity portends football's future.

The New Yorker

Of course, the investigation is rarely undertaken by a single investigator, but I refer to the corporate investigator as a singular person for clarity of exposition.

Columbia University

You probably can explain where a Timothy Leary comes from, but it doesn't matter as much; you end up thinking that even though Leary was, as everyone is, a singular person, whatever he achieved or stood for had a lot to do with the fact that there was something a little wrong with him — something missing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Someone that can develop a culture that will put the welfare of the team above any singular person.

Los Angeles Times

Meintjes comments that Pretorius "was perhaps the first person to recognise that behind [Kruger's] rough exterior was a most singular person with an intellect all the more remarkable for being almost entirely self-developed".

Wikipedia

He was a sweet, singular person, one of those individuals who arrives in your life at a moment that you don't yet recognize as formative, and leaves a lasting mark on your sense of taste, of self-esteem, of what's possible.

The New Yorker

From a piece in the Times, at her death, in 1865: Madam JUMEL, whose death is chronicled above, was a very singular person, about whose name twined many marvelous stories, and with whose history the greatest men of colonial and Revolutionary days were intimately connected.

The New Yorker

I'm not doing anybody in particular because Arlene is a pretty singular person.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular person" to emphasize someone's uniqueness in situations where their individuality is a key aspect of the discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular person" excessively in very formal or academic writing. More precise or technical language might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular person" functions as a noun phrase, where "singular" modifies the noun "person". It's used to describe an individual who is unique, distinctive, or exceptional. Ludwig examples show that the phrase correctly emphasizes individuality in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a singular person" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to emphasize the uniqueness or distinctiveness of an individual. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used across various contexts, but primarily in news and media. While grammatically sound, overusing it in extremely formal contexts should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "a unique individual" or "an exceptional person" for varied expression. Remember that the context determines the most suitable phrase to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique individual

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and unmatched qualities of a person.

an exceptional person

Highlights a person's outstanding qualities and abilities.

a remarkable individual

Stresses the noteworthy and extraordinary nature of a person.

a distinctive character

Focuses on the unique traits and personality of a person.

an extraordinary person

Implies a person who goes beyond the ordinary in terms of talent or behavior.

a one-of-a-kind person

Highlights the irreplaceability and unparalleled nature of an individual.

an uncommon individual

Suggests someone who deviates from the norm.

an original personality

Emphasizes the freshness and unconventional attributes of someone's character.

a rare individual

Indicates a person whose qualities are not often found.

a peculiar person

Implies a person who is strange or unusual, often in an interesting way.

FAQs

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

You can use "a singular person" to emphasize the unique qualities of an individual. For example, "She is "a singular person", unlike anyone I've ever met."

What are some alternatives to "a singular person"?

Alternatives include "a unique individual", "an exceptional person", or "a remarkable individual", each highlighting different aspects of the person's distinctiveness.

Is it grammatically correct to use "they" to refer to "a singular person"?

Yes, using the singular "they" is now widely accepted and considered grammatically correct when referring to a singular person of unknown or non-binary gender. For example: "Each student should bring their own supplies".

What is the difference between "a singular person" and "a special person"?

"A singular person" emphasizes uniqueness and distinctiveness, while "a special person" highlights the value and importance someone holds for others.