a unique thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a unique thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is one of a kind or distinct from others. Example: "This artifact is a unique thing that represents a significant part of our cultural heritage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Listen carefully to the person say his or her name, then "take a picture in your mind of a unique thing about that person and register that uniqueness with their name".

The New York Times - Magazine

Listen carefully to the person say his or her name, then "take a picture in your mind of a unique thing about that person and register that uniqueness with their name". Maybe that person has an odd mole or walks like a ballerina.

The New York Times - Magazine

That is a unique thing.

Independent

It is a unique thing.

The New York Times

"That's a unique thing in the States.

The New York Times

That was a unique thing about Galveston.

The New York Times - Books

"It's a unique thing about the 2012 Olympics," Parker says.

Independent

It is a unique thing and unique to him".

The New York Times - Sports

Such a unique thing doesn't happen any more".

The Guardian - Music

"I think this is a unique thing," Mr. Walsh said.

The New York Times

What a unique thing to say in 2014".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a unique thing" to highlight specific aspects of a subject, especially when comparing it to others.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "a unique thing" in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "distinctive feature" or "exceptional element" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a unique thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for describing something distinct or one-of-a-kind. Examples on Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts to highlight exceptional qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a unique thing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe something distinct or one-of-a-kind. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, with applications also in science and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately conveys the exceptional quality you intend to highlight, and consider using synonyms to avoid repetition. Keep in mind that while the phrase is versatile, it is best suited for emphasizing the distinctiveness of a subject. Remember, according to Ludwig, this phrase's primary function is to highlight distinctive aspects, making it invaluable for descriptive writing and comparative analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a one-of-a-kind item

Directly conveys the idea of something being the only one of its kind.

an original creation

Emphasizes the novelty and inventiveness.

a distinctive feature

Emphasizes the characteristic that sets something apart.

an exceptional element

Highlights the unusual quality of a component.

an uncommon attribute

Focuses on a quality not generally found.

a singular aspect

Focuses on one particular, uncommon facet.

a peculiar trait

Indicates an odd or unusual characteristic.

a rare occurrence

Highlights the infrequency of the event or item.

an unparalleled case

Stresses the lack of comparable instances.

a special case

Highlights the exceptional nature of an event.

FAQs

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

You can use "a unique thing" to describe something that is one of a kind or distinct from others. For instance, "This artifact is "a unique thing" that represents a significant part of our cultural heritage."

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

You can use alternatives like "a distinctive feature", "an exceptional element", or "a singular aspect" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a unique thing" or "an unique thing"?

"A unique thing" is correct. The word "unique" begins with a consonant sound, so it should be preceded by the article "a" rather than "an".

What's the difference between "a unique thing" and "a particular thing"?

"A unique thing" emphasizes the distinctiveness and one-of-a-kind nature of something, whereas "a particular thing" /s/a+particular+thing simply refers to a specific item or aspect without necessarily implying that it is exceptional.