a unique circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a unique circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is one-of-a-kind or distinct from others. Example: "Due to a unique circumstance, we had to change our plans at the last minute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Administration officials disagreed, stressing: "This was a unique circumstance".

The Guardian

"I was approached toward the end of my hunt with a unique circumstance.

Independent

Having the long-absent founder taking a financial interest "is certainly a unique circumstance," said Vivian Brooks, a spokeswoman for the company.

The New York Times

"It was truly a unique circumstance given that both organizations knew we weren't going to come back to New York two years in row".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's just kind of a unique circumstance, where she just wasn't happy with the loss and wanted to see what else was out there.

The New York Times - Sports

He called the Lightning change "a unique circumstance" because it was the first time Apple had changed the connector since it was introduced.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But a 45-year-old Supreme Court precedent had created a "unique circumstances" exception, giving courts some measure of flexibility.

The New York Times

"It is a very unique circumstance we're in where we've got an elite young guy that's up and coming that's probably going to dominate the league for many years," Luongo said.

The New York Times - Sports

And the reason is because this is a very unique circumstance.

The New York Times

I think it's also important for people to bear in mind the reality again that what we are dealing with here is a fairly unique circumstance having had the exposure in Mexico directly with the swine heard.

Science Magazine

This is a very unique circumstance".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a unique circumstance" when you want to emphasize that a situation is unlike others and requires special consideration. It suggests that standard approaches may not be applicable.

Common error

While "a unique circumstance" is a valid phrase, avoid using it too frequently. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "an unusual situation" or "an exceptional case".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a unique circumstance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It denotes a specific situation that is distinct from the ordinary, as evidenced by Ludwig examples showcasing its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A unique circumstance" is a noun phrase used to describe a situation that stands out from the norm and requires special attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and more formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure you're truly highlighting an exceptional situation and not overusing it, which can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "an unusual situation" or "an exceptional case" to add variety to your writing. This term has a neutral register. Remember to not overuse the word unique which it itself a superlative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptional case

Highlights the rarity and deviation from the norm, emphasizing the unusual nature of the situation.

an unusual situation

Emphasizes the departure from the ordinary or expected, focusing on the uncommon aspect.

a peculiar set of conditions

Underscores the specific and distinctive conditions that make the situation noteworthy.

a singular instance

Stresses the isolated and unmatched nature of the occurrence, emphasizing its individuality.

a rare occurrence

Highlights the infrequency and uncommonness of the event, focusing on its scarcity.

an unprecedented event

Emphasizes the lack of prior examples, marking the situation as groundbreaking or novel.

a special set of circumstances

Emphasizes the particular combination of factors contributing to the uniqueness of the circumstance.

an atypical situation

Highlights the departure from the typical or expected pattern, focusing on the abnormality.

a one-off situation

Implies that the situation is unlikely to be repeated, emphasizing its non-recurring nature.

a distinctive scenario

Focuses on the clearly defined and easily recognizable characteristics of the circumstance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a unique circumstance" to describe a situation that is different from the usual or expected. For example: "The company's rapid growth presented "a unique circumstance" that required new strategies".

What can I say instead of "a unique circumstance"?

You can use alternatives like "an exceptional case", "an unusual situation", or "a peculiar set of conditions" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very unique circumstance"?

Since "unique" already means one-of-a-kind, adding "very" is generally considered redundant. It's best to simply use ""a unique circumstance"" without the intensifier.

When is it appropriate to use "a unique circumstance"?

Use ""a unique circumstance"" when describing a situation that deviates significantly from the norm and requires special attention or a tailored approach. It's suitable when highlighting the exceptional nature of an event or situation.