an exclusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exclusive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is limited to a particular group or is not available to everyone, often in contexts like events, memberships, or products. Example: "The club is hosting an exclusive event for its VIP members only."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Herewith, an exclusive video.

The New York Times

It demands an exclusive.

The Economist

It's an exclusive club.

The New York Times

"It's an exclusive area.

Independent

"It's an exclusive community".

The New York Times

Membership in an exclusive club.

The New York Times

"That's maybe an exclusive?

The Guardian - Music

"It's an exclusive".

The New York Times

But it's an exclusive.

The Guardian

"This clearly gives us an exclusive position.

Independent

I thought we had an exclusive, Jill.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an exclusive" to denote something that is not widely available or accessible, emphasizing its limited or privileged nature. For example, "an exclusive interview" suggests the journalist obtained unique access.

Common error

Avoid using "an exclusive" when the subject is not genuinely unique or limited. Overusing it can diminish the perceived value and credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exclusive" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjective, preceding a noun. It serves to characterize the noun as being limited, select, or not generally available. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show it describing various nouns such as "video", "club", or "area".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an exclusive" is grammatically correct and commonly used to emphasize the limited availability or privileged nature of something. As Ludwig AI states, it is a functional modifier that adds a sense of scarcity and desirability. While "an exclusive" appears most frequently in "News & Media", it is also prevalent in "Academia" and "Formal & Business" contexts, suggesting its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is genuinely unique or limited to maintain credibility. Consider alternatives like "a privileged" or "a select" to fine-tune the specific shade of meaning. Its versatility and straightforward meaning makes it a valuable tool in numerous writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an elite

Refers to the highest level or class, often implying exclusivity.

a privileged

Emphasizes the advantage or special right associated with something.

a select

Highlights the careful choosing or high quality of something.

a restricted

Focuses on the limitation of access or availability.

a limited

Indicates a finite quantity or availability.

a private

Suggests something is not public or generally accessible.

a unique

Stresses the distinctiveness and rarity of something.

a special

Highlights the particular or exceptional nature of something.

a one-of-a-kind

Emphasizes the uniqueness and irreplaceability of something.

a confidential

Implies secrecy and limited access.

FAQs

How can I use "an exclusive" in a sentence?

Use "an exclusive" to describe something available only to a select group, such as "an exclusive club" or "an exclusive offer". It emphasizes the limited availability and special nature of the subject.

What are some alternatives to "an exclusive"?

You can use alternatives like "a privileged", "a select", or "a unique" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a exclusive" instead of "an exclusive"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. "Exclusive" begins with a vowel sound, so it requires the indefinite article "an". Saying "a exclusive" is a common error but should be avoided in formal writing.

What is the difference between "an exclusive" and "a special"?

"An exclusive" implies limited availability or access, whereas "a special" simply denotes something that is distinct or noteworthy. While they can sometimes overlap, "an exclusive" always carries the connotation of restriction or privilege.