a very individual thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very individual thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the uniqueness or personal nature of an object, idea, or experience. Example: "For many people, art is a very individual thing that reflects their personal experiences and emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"We understand that religion is a very individual thing".

The New York Times

My inkling on this is that it's probably a very individual thing – so much to do with personal emotion levels and the context one is in.

Stanford University

The balance of a smoothie is a very individual thing – this guide should ensure your smoothies are both energising and delicious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was there, during the California explosion, that I first met chefs who wanted to talk about their craft," Mario told me, "and where I learned that the palate is a very individual thing".

The New Yorker

It's a very individual thing".

BBC

It's a very individual thing and I don't see a reason to cause pain through seeking to do good," he says.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

As I've said before, wheelhouses are very individual things.

The New York Times

It's a real individual thing.

Los Angeles Times

Doing things for the person that will really stand out is a very individual process.

WikiHow

"It's a very individual job.

The New York Times

It is a very individual decision.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very individual thing", ensure the context clearly defines what 'thing' you are referring to. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid using "a very individual thing" as a vague catch-all phrase. Instead, specify the aspect that is individual, such as "a very individual approach" or "a very individual style", to provide more clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very individual thing" functions as a subject complement or predicate nominative, further defining the subject by emphasizing its unique and personal characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very individual thing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that serves to highlight the unique or personalized nature of something. As Ludwig AI validates, it’s well-suited for various contexts, though ensuring clarity by specifying the 'thing' is advisable. Its usage spans across news, academia, and general discussions, maintaining a neutral register. Related alternatives like "a highly personal matter" or "a uniquely personal aspect" can provide nuanced expressions of individuality. By being mindful of overgeneralization and specifying the individual element, you can effectively convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a highly personal matter

Replaces "individual" with "personal" and "thing" with "matter", focusing on the personal aspect.

a uniquely personal aspect

Emphasizes uniqueness and personal nature, using "aspect" instead of "thing".

a distinctly personal experience

Highlights the personal nature of an experience, differing from a general "thing".

a customized personal approach

Focuses on tailoring something to an individual, using "approach" to suggest a method.

a tailored individual solution

Stresses that a solution is made specifically for an individual.

a singular personal preference

Highlights a preference unique to an individual, moving away from a broad "thing".

a remarkably individual trait

Emphasizes the uniqueness of a trait, making it a specific characteristic.

an exceptionally unique quality

Focuses on an outstanding quality that is one-of-a-kind.

a profoundly intimate detail

Highlights the depth and personal nature of a detail.

a deeply subjective element

Focuses on the subjective nature of an element, varying from person to person.

FAQs

How can I use "a very individual thing" in a sentence?

You can use "a very individual thing" to emphasize that something is unique to a specific person or situation. For example, "Choosing a career path is a very individual thing" or "The way someone grieves is a very individual thing".

What does "a very individual thing" mean?

"A very individual thing" means that something is highly specific to a particular person, their preferences, or circumstances. It highlights the personal and unique nature of the subject.

What are some synonyms for "a very individual thing"?

Synonyms include "a highly personal matter", "a uniquely personal aspect", or "a distinctly personal experience" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "a very individual thing"?

While "a very individual thing" is grammatically correct, being more specific can often improve clarity. For instance, instead of saying "Success is a very individual thing", you could say "Success is a matter of individual effort and perspective".