a special breed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a special breed" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a group of people or animals with unique characteristics or abilities. Examples: 1. "My grandmother was a special breed of woman, fiercely independent and always full of wisdom." 2. "The firefighters who risk their lives every day are truly a special breed of heroes." 3. "This group of dancers is a special breed, known for their grace and precision on stage." 4. "In the business world, successful entrepreneurs are a special breed, driven by determination and innovation." 5. "As a teacher, I have to say that kindergarten teachers are a special breed, with endless patience and energy to keep up with young children all day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The trains on this HSR line will be a special breed created specially for it.

Forbes

A special breed of pinguero specializes in pilfering small valuables, with amazing swiftness and skill, from any room he enters.

Vice

It takes a special breed".

The New York Times - Sports

Roving Wagnerians are a special breed.

The New York Times - Arts

Summer movies are a special breed.

The New Yorker

Special-teams coaches are a special breed.

The New York Times - Sports

These Jersey boomerangs are a special breed.

The New York Times

It's a special breed of person.

The Guardian - Film

"NHS employees are a special breed.

The Guardian

His life had begun… Summer movies are a special breed.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

a special breed.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a special breed", ensure the unique qualities you're attributing are clearly defined and relevant to the context. This helps avoid vagueness and strengthens your description.

Common error

Avoid using "a special breed" as a generic compliment. Always specify what makes the subject unique instead of relying on the phrase alone to convey exceptionality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a special breed" functions as a descriptor, typically used to characterize a group of people, animals, or things possessing unique or exceptional qualities. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is both correct and common. As seen in Ludwig's examples, the phrase often precedes a noun or noun phrase, further defining the subject's distinctive nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a special breed" is a phrase used to describe entities possessing distinctive or exceptional qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. The phrase functions as a descriptor, emphasizing uniqueness and superiority, and is most frequently found in News & Media. While generally neutral, it's important to specify the attributed qualities to avoid overgeneralization. Related phrases include "a unique kind" and "an exceptional sort". Using "a special breed" effectively involves clear articulation of the subject's distinctive attributes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique kind

Replaces "breed" with "kind", emphasizing the distinctiveness in type rather than origin.

an exceptional sort

Substitutes "special" with "exceptional" and "breed" with "sort", highlighting the superior nature of the group.

a rare type

Emphasizes the infrequency and distinctiveness of the group, differing in focus from commonness.

a peculiar variety

Replaces "special" with "peculiar", suggesting an unusual or odd distinction.

a select group

Highlights the exclusivity and chosen nature of the group, implying a careful selection process.

a different class

Focuses on the distinct category or level to which the group belongs, setting it apart from others.

a singular type

Emphasizes the uniqueness and individuality of the group, suggesting it is one of a kind.

a distinctive character

Shifts the focus to the unique attributes or traits that define the group's identity.

an uncommon sort

Highlights the infrequency and unique traits of the group, differing in emphasis from normality.

a particular ilk

Uses "ilk" to specify a type or kind, emphasizing shared characteristics within the group.

FAQs

How can I use "a special breed" in a sentence?

Use "a special breed" to describe a group or type that possesses unique or exceptional qualities. For example, "Entrepreneurs are "a special breed" of people, driven by innovation and resilience."

What's a good alternative to "a special breed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a unique kind", "an exceptional sort", or "a rare type", each emphasizing different aspects of uniqueness and distinction.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "a special breed"?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. Using a more specific description can be more effective than simply labeling something as "a special breed". If a more precise term exists, it would be more appropriate to use that.

What does it mean when someone is referred to as "a special breed"?

Referring to someone as "a special breed" implies that they have extraordinary qualities or characteristics that set them apart from others in a positive way. It suggests they are exceptional in some manner.