an individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an individual" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a single person or thing. For example, "This program has helped many individuals find employment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He is an individual".

The New Yorker

"It's not an individual power.

The New York Times

Rendering an individual almost dreamlike.

The New York Times

I meant as an individual.

Independent

On an individual level, no.

The New York Times

That makes him an individual.

The New York Times - Books

"That is an individual decision".

The New York Times

It's an individual sport.

The New York Times - Sports

She's an individual artist.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's not an individual".

The New York Times

Himself as an individual...

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the unique qualities or characteristics of a person, use "an individual" to highlight their distinct identity. For example, "Treat each student as "an individual" with unique learning needs."

Common error

Avoid using "an individual" in contexts where simpler words like "person" or "someone" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted. For example, instead of saying ""An individual" called to report a problem", say "Someone called to report a problem."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an individual" functions as a noun phrase designating a single person or entity, emphasizing their distinct existence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, showcasing its role in specifying a singular subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an individual" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to refer to a single person, often emphasizing their unique qualities. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, media, and wiki sources. While versatile, be mindful of overusing it when simpler terms like "person" or "someone" would suffice. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread applicability in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a single person

Emphasizes the singularity of the person, similar to "an individual".

one person

A more concise way to refer to a single person.

a particular person

Highlights a specific person among others.

any person

Refers to any single person without specifying who.

a certain person

Implies a specific but unnamed person.

a human being

Emphasizes the person's humanity.

a member

Used when the person is part of a group or organization.

a citizen

Refers to a person with legal rights in a country.

a subject

Someone being discussed, studied, or experimented on.

a unit

Refers to an individual as a component of a larger system.

FAQs

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

You can use "an individual" to refer to a single person, especially when emphasizing their unique qualities or identity. For example, "The study focused on the experiences of "a single person" within the community."

What are some alternatives to "an individual"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a single person", "one person", or "a particular person" to express the same idea.

Is it better to use "a person" or "an individual"?

Both "a person" and "an individual" are grammatically correct. "An individual" is often used when you want to emphasize the unique characteristics or specific identity of the person, whereas "a person" is more general.

When is it inappropriate to use "an individual"?

Using "an individual" may be inappropriate when a simpler term like "person" or "someone" would suffice. Overusing "an individual" can sometimes make your writing sound too formal or pretentious.