a unique

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a unique" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is without an equal, uncommon or one of a kind. For example: "The view from the top of the Ferris wheel was truly a unique experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a unique vision.

Independent

It's a unique text.

The New Yorker

He's a unique talent".

Independent

A unique achievement".

The New Yorker

"He's a unique dealmaker.

The New York Times

A unique vision.

The New York Times

"A unique combination".

The New York Times

A unique blend".

The New York Times - Arts

"It's a unique opportunity.

Independent

He's a unique player; a unique talent".

The Guardian - Sport

We have a unique country.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a unique", ensure the noun it modifies truly represents something distinct and not just slightly different. Avoid using it for commonplace items or experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "unique" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "distinctive", "singular", or "exceptional".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a unique" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It emphasizes that the noun it describes possesses qualities that set it apart from others of its kind. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

31%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a unique" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile adjective phrase used to emphasize the distinctiveness or one-of-a-kind nature of a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and wiki articles. While "a unique" is a powerful descriptor, it's essential to ensure it's used accurately and not overused, and to consider alternatives like "exceptional" or "singular" for variety. By using "a unique" judiciously, writers can effectively highlight what makes something truly special.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a one-of-a-kind

This is a more emphatic way of saying something is completely unique and irreplaceable.

an exceptional

This alternative suggests something is notably better or higher in quality than others of its kind.

a singular

This emphasizes the one-of-a-kind nature of something, highlighting its distinctiveness.

an unparalleled

This implies that something is unmatched and without equal in terms of quality or achievement.

a distinctive

This stresses the characteristic that sets something apart from others, making it easily recognizable.

an uncommon

This indicates that something is not frequently found or experienced.

a remarkable

Implies something is worthy of attention because it's unusual or striking.

a special

This suggests something is different from the ordinary and has particular value or significance.

a rare

Implies scarcity and that something is not commonly encountered.

an individual

Highlights the distinct and separate nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a unique" in a sentence?

You can use "a unique" to describe something that is one of a kind or distinct from others. For example, "That painting has "a unique style"" or "The company offers "a unique service"."

What are some alternatives to using "a unique"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an exceptional", "a singular", or "a distinctive" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to say "very unique"?

Yes, "unique" already means one of a kind, so adding "very" is generally considered redundant. It's better to simply use "unique" or find a different adjective that allows for degrees, such as "very rare" or "highly unusual".

Which is correct: "a unique opportunity" or "an unique opportunity"?

The correct phrasing is "a unique opportunity". Although "unique" starts with a vowel, it's pronounced with an initial "y" sound, so it takes the article "a" rather than "an".