a singular tradition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular tradition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a unique or distinctive tradition that stands out from others. Example: "In this community, a singular tradition of storytelling has been passed down through generations, captivating audiences young and old."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But Cathedral Prep has a singular tradition.

The New York Times

"The integrity of keeping the collection whole, of seeing it as all part of a singular tradition, was more important than any additional space we might have gained by fracturing the collection among multiple venues," Mr. Lowry said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Britain has a long and singular tradition of local arts activity, from amateur dramatic societies, choirs and pageants, to the dozens of Fun Palaces that sprang up when Stella Duffy attempted to resurrect Joan Littlewood's visionary concept of a space where communities could gather to celebrate their own culture and creativity.

The Guardian

But Harar, ever a bastion of singular traditions and ideas, has developed a unique symbiosis with its hyena population, transforming a regional villain first into a carrier of prophecy and then into a cultural institution and cash cow.

Vice

In a university full of quirky individual colleges with their own singular traditions, All Souls still stands out for the intellectual riches it offers and the awe it inspires.

The New York Times

Rather than relying solely on imported Western experience, however, some experts contend that the Islamic Republic should employ its singular traditions in the fight.

The New York Times

In time, the writer adopted a conservative outlook in respect to boyar tradition, developing a singular view of Romanian history around the issues of property and rank in Wallachia.

Wikipedia

Edwin Morgan was a singular voice in a country with a literary tradition rich in singular voices.

The Guardian - Books

Films exploring the "big questions" continue to be made in the much-changed cultural climate but not so relentlessly by a single filmmaker, with a singular vision and a sensibility steeped in a religious tradition.

The New York Times

"Manifesto is a singular work of creative vision, which furthers the Armory's tradition of mounting multidisciplinary projects that defy categorization," Pierre Audi, Artistic Director of Park Avenue Armory, says.

Vice

The amplification of a singular voice with many robust black-sounding ones began as an American tradition, but for decades has been incorporated into pop songs to convey over-the-top epicness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular tradition" to emphasize the unique and distinctive nature of a custom within a specific context. This highlights its special significance and sets it apart from other common practices.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular tradition" when referring to a widespread or common practice. Ensure the tradition is genuinely unique and not just a slightly modified version of a more common custom.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular tradition" functions as a noun phrase, where "singular" modifies the noun "tradition". As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a specific, unique custom or practice. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in describing customs that are distinct and stand out.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a singular tradition" is a noun phrase used to describe a unique and distinctive custom or practice. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and utility in emphasizing the special nature of a tradition. While not extremely common, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the tradition is genuinely unique and that you are highlighting its distinctiveness. Alternatives such as "a unique custom" or "a distinctive practice" can be used to achieve a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique custom

Replaces "tradition" with a synonym emphasizing habitual practice.

an exceptional heritage

Substitutes "tradition" with a term suggesting inherited value and replaces "singular" with "exceptional".

a distinctive practice

Emphasizes the characteristic nature of the tradition.

an unparalleled convention

Highlights the unmatched quality of the tradition.

a remarkable ritual

Focuses on the ceremonial aspect of a tradition and replaces "singular" with "remarkable".

a one-of-a-kind observance

Stresses the rarity and special nature of the tradition.

an idiosyncratic institution

Suggests a peculiar and distinctive established practice.

a peculiar culture

Shifts the focus to cultural uniqueness. Also replaces "tradition" with the more wide term of "culture".

an uncommon rite

Replaces "tradition" with a synonym highlighting the ceremonial nature and replaces "singular" with "uncommon".

an atypical habit

Highlights the deviation from the norm.

FAQs

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

You can use "a singular tradition" to describe a unique or distinctive custom that is characteristic of a particular group or place. For example: "In this community, "a singular tradition" of storytelling has been passed down through generations."

What are some alternatives to "a singular tradition"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a unique custom", "a distinctive practice", or "an exceptional heritage". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a very singular tradition"?

While not strictly redundant, adding "very" might weaken the impact. "Singular" already implies uniqueness, so it's often more effective to use ""a singular tradition"" on its own.

What is the difference between "a singular tradition" and "a common tradition"?

"A singular tradition" refers to a custom that is unique and specific, while "a common tradition" refers to a practice that is widely shared and prevalent within a group or society.