an exceptional one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exceptional one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person or thing that stands out due to its quality or characteristics. Example: "Among all the candidates, she was truly an exceptional one, demonstrating skills and experience that surpassed the rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"This case is an exceptional one with little apparent bearing on transactions that can be expected in the future," Judge Barrington D. Parker wrote in the decision.

The New York Times

It is an idea that the appeals court sought to forestall, saying "this case is an exceptional one with little apparent bearing on transactions that can be expected in the future," in part because "Argentina has been a uniquely recalcitrant debtor".

The New York Times

Long a respectable ensemble, the Atlanta on this occasion showed signs of becoming an exceptional one.

The New York Times - Arts

■ Son of Saul (winner) ■ Taxi Tehran ■ Youth ■ A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Contemplating Existence ■ Force Majeure Last year was an exceptional one for this category: Leviathan and Ida are contenders for the best film of all time, let alone just not in English and released in 2015.

The Guardian - Film

This remedy is an exceptional one.

Harvard University

You might even turn out to be an exceptional one.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Kovalchuk is an exceptional one-on-one player, capable of befuddling most N.H.L. defensemen on open ice.

The New York Times

Keep in mind we are analyzing this as an exceptional, one-time jump in pitching load.

The New York Times

Only an exceptional one-handed save from Buffon in the 85th minute denied Gabbiadini a second goal.

The Guardian - Sport

The Institute provides an exceptional, one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary environment and research funds for these term appointments.

Princeton University

However, the £6.5m figure included an exceptional one-off gain of £7.5m meaning that HR Owen actually moved back into trading profitability in the first half of this year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an exceptional one", ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'one' refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader. If the noun is not obvious, restructure the sentence to include it.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "an exceptional one" too frequently in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "great" or "amazing" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exceptional one" functions as a nominal phrase, acting as a pronoun substitute for a noun previously mentioned or implied in the context. It modifies the unmentioned noun as exceptional.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exceptional one" is a grammatically sound phrase widely used to denote something or someone that is far above average. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and frequently found in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While its usage is generally versatile, writers should be mindful of overuse in informal settings where simpler terms may be more appropriate. When employing "an exceptional one", ensure clear contextual reference to avoid ambiguity and to emphasize the distinguished quality effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a standout example

Highlights the exemplary nature of the example.

a one-of-a-kind situation

Highlights the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the situation.

a remarkable instance

Focuses on the instance or event being noteworthy.

an unparalleled version

Stresses that no other version can compare in quality or distinction.

a top-notch individual

Emphasizes the superior quality of a person.

a singular event

Emphasizes that an event is unique and unlikely to happen again.

a first-rate case

Implies a high standard or quality of the situation.

a noteworthy item

Highlights something that merits attention because of its quality or importance.

a prime specimen

Suggests the subject is a perfect or ideal representation.

an extraordinary occurrence

Focuses on the unusual and remarkable nature of an event.

FAQs

How can I use "an exceptional one" in a sentence?

You can use "an exceptional one" to describe a person, thing, or event that is particularly outstanding or unusual. For example, "She is an ordinary woman, but "an exceptional one"".

What are some alternatives to "an exceptional one"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a remarkable instance", "a standout example", or "an extraordinary occurrence".

Is it grammatically correct to say "an exceptional one"?

Yes, "an exceptional one" is grammatically correct. The article "an" is used because "exceptional" begins with a vowel sound, and "one" functions as a pronoun referring to a previously mentioned noun or idea.

What's the difference between "an exceptional one" and "a good one"?

"An exceptional one" implies that something is far above average or particularly noteworthy, while "a good one" simply means that something is satisfactory or above the minimum standard. The former suggests something is rare and special, whereas the latter is more common.