a unique individual

USAGE SUMMARY

"a unique individual" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it anytime you want to refer to someone who is special or extraordinary. For example: "Jack is a unique individual; he has many talents and stands out from the rest of his peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mo is a unique individual.

The New York Times - Sports

Jam Master Jay was a unique individual.

The New York Times

Tom was truly a unique individual.

Stanford University

Each node represents a unique individual.

Yale University

"Greg is in many ways a unique individual," he added.

The Guardian - Sport

Poetry shouldn't reveal the soul of a unique individual: there's no such thing as a unique individual.

The New Yorker

Nick Serota is a unique individual... there is no one else like Nick".

The Guardian - Arts

She was truly a unique individual and words cannot describe how much she will be missed.

The New York Times

I would have to say, in terms of being a unique individual, yes.

The Guardian - Music

"Casey Martin is a unique individual, and his is a unique situation".

The New York Times - Sports

Sorrell is a unique individual and the rise of WPP is an extraordinary achievement.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider specifying the aspects in which the individual is unique to enhance clarity and credibility. For example, instead of "He's a unique individual", try "He's a unique individual because of his innovative approach to problem-solving".

Common error

Avoid using phrases that reiterate uniqueness, such as "a very unique individual". Uniqueness, by definition, implies there is nothing else like it. Enhance your writing by choosing specific details that showcase their individuality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a unique individual" functions as a noun phrase, where "unique" modifies the noun "individual". The phrase describes a person or entity that is unlike others. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

14%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a unique individual" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone with distinctive qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in different writing contexts, ranging from news articles and academic papers to informal conversations. While the phrase is widely accepted, ensure the context genuinely supports the claim of uniqueness to avoid overuse or cliché. When aiming to add the detail consider alternatives like "distinctive" or "singular" to better express the unique characteristic of the person.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinctive individual

Replaces "unique" with "distinctive", highlighting the quality of being easily distinguishable.

a singular individual

Emphasizes the rarity and unmatched quality of the individual.

an exceptional person

Focuses on the person's outstanding qualities.

a remarkable person

Highlights the person's noteworthiness and impressiveness.

an extraordinary person

Suggests the individual is beyond the ordinary.

an individual of great character

Shifts the focus to the admirable qualities the person possesses.

a one-of-a-kind person

Stresses the irreplaceable nature of the individual.

a rare gem

Uses a metaphor to convey the preciousness and infrequency of finding such an individual.

an original

Implies the person is innovative and doesn't conform to norms.

a nonpareil

Emphasizes the individual's unparalleled excellence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a unique individual" to describe someone who stands out from others due to their personality, skills, or experiences. For example, "She is "a unique individual" with a passion for helping others".

What are some alternatives to saying "a unique individual"?

Alternatives include "a distinctive individual", "a singular individual", or "an exceptional person". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very unique individual"?

Yes, saying "very unique individual" is generally considered redundant. Uniqueness is an absolute quality, so something cannot be "very" unique. Simply use "a unique individual".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "a unique individual"?

The phrase "a unique individual" is appropriate in both formal and informal settings when you want to emphasize someone's special qualities or characteristics. It's commonly used in biographies, eulogies, and everyday conversations.