a unique specimen of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a unique specimen of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is one-of-a-kind or particularly noteworthy within a certain category or group. Example: "The museum displayed a unique specimen of a rare dinosaur fossil that had never been seen before."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He paused for a moment, undecided, a unique specimen of sartorial splendor white Panama stuck on the back of his shiny shaved skull, yellow silk polo shirt dirtied slightly by the black of his bulging muscles, draped trousers of a brilliant pea green, tight waisted and slack hanging above size eleven shoes of freshly shined tan.

The New Yorker

He paused for a moment, undecided, a unique specimen of sartorial splendor — white Panama stuck on the back of his shiny shaved skull, yellow silk polo shirt dirtied slightly by the black of his bulging muscles, draped trousers of a brilliant pea green, tight waisted and slack hanging above size eleven shoes of freshly shined tan.

The New Yorker

In a new study, published online today in Nature, paleontologists report that they have found a unique specimen of Anomalocaris with exceptionally-preserved fossil impressions of the animals' eyes.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We have designed a genotyping assay based on polymerase chain reaction and DNA-Chip for HBV Starting from a unique specimen, analysis of polymorphisms at 150 positions along the genome and 383 mutations is possible as well as the determination of the genotype.

Journal of Clinical Virology

The final piece before the intermission was Stravinsky's "Ebony Concerto," a unique specimen in the world of pseudo-classical-jazz music.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Because what I like they might be, like, 'This is trash.' " Secret Stash is already a unique specimen in the peculiar world of comic book shops because it is owned by Kevin Smith, the writer-director and superhero enthusiast.

The New York Times - Arts

Kurt explained that as a female who was interested in programming, I would be treated as a unique specimen in the male-dominated world of tech.

Huffington Post

While such grand theatrical devices might be reminiscent of other cities across the Soviet bloc, from Moscow to Minsk, Pyongyang is a unique specimen in that the original intentions remain intact.

The Guardian

In modern teleosts (ray-finned fish), the most diverse living vertebrate group, and the living descendants of this ancient osteichthyan, the cartilage connection between eyeball and braincase has been lost, but the unique specimen of Fig. 4b indicates that the connection must have been a primitive feature, at least for all jawed vertebrates.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The unique specimen of Srokalarva berthei provides previous unknown data for understanding the early evolution of Holometabola, and an assessment of the various biological and environmental factors that could have affected the early evolution of this hyperdiverse group of insects.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

UCMP is very proud of its wonderful and unique specimens of Dilophosaurus.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific or historical finds, use "a unique specimen of" to highlight its importance in understanding a particular phenomenon or species. It emphasizes that the item provides insights that other examples may not.

Common error

Avoid using "a unique specimen of" when the item is simply rare or unusual. The phrase implies that the specimen has an unrepeatable combination of characteristics or provides singular insights. If the item is just scarce, consider alternatives like "a rare example of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a unique specimen of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a particular item as being singular or exceptional within its category. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a unique specimen of" is used to emphasize that something is exceptional and one-of-a-kind. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and found in various authoritative sources, including science, news, and academic publications. While correct, it should be used precisely, ensuring the specimen genuinely possesses singular qualities. For less definitive cases, alternatives such as "a rare instance of" or "an exceptional example of" may be more appropriate. Be mindful of overuse and redundancy, ensuring clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a one-of-a-kind example of

Highlights the singularity of the specimen.

an exceptional example of

Replaces 'unique specimen' with a more general term for high quality.

a remarkable sample of

Highlights the noteworthiness of the sample.

a rare instance of

Emphasizes the scarcity of the specimen.

a distinctive form of

Emphasizes the distinct characteristics of the specimen.

a singular type of

Focuses on the distinctiveness of the type.

an unusual case of

Focuses on the atypical nature of the specimen.

a special sort of

Highlights the special attributes of the specimen.

a peculiar kind of

Emphasizes the odd or strange nature of the specimen.

a characteristic example of

Highlights the typical traits that the specimen represents.

FAQs

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

You can use "a unique specimen of" to highlight that something is one-of-a-kind or especially remarkable, for example: "The museum displayed a unique specimen of a dinosaur fossil".

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

Consider using alternatives like "an exceptional example of", "a rare instance of", or "a one-of-a-kind example of" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a very unique specimen of"?

Yes, saying "very unique" is generally considered redundant, because "unique" means one-of-a-kind by definition. Instead, simply use "a unique specimen of" or emphasize another aspect of the specimen, like saying "a remarkable sample of".

When is it appropriate to use "a unique specimen of"?

Use "a unique specimen of" when you want to stress that something is the only one of its kind, particularly when that uniqueness contributes significantly to its importance or value.