an individual thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an individual thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a single item or entity, often to emphasize its uniqueness or distinctiveness. Example: "Each participant will receive an individual thing to complete as part of the workshop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's an individual thing.

The Guardian - Sport

" It's not just an individual thing.

The New Yorker

That's an individual thing," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's an individual thing," Rivers said.

The New York Times - Sports

"But it's an individual thing.

The New York Times - Arts

"I don't think it's an individual thing.

The New York Times - Sports

"Now it's more of an individual thing.

The New York Times

"You know, it's such an individual thing," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

It's an individual thing, but I thrived on competition.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's an individual thing, not a military thing".

The Guardian

It is an individual thing, something we can work on".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an individual thing", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes it unique and why that uniqueness is relevant to the discussion.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something applies to "an individual thing", it automatically applies to all similar things. The phrase inherently suggests uniqueness, so be cautious about drawing broad conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an individual thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object, highlighting the unique or distinct nature of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an individual thing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for emphasizing the uniqueness or particularity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness. It is used across various contexts, including news, science, and business, although it maintains a generally neutral register. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context clearly indicates the specific qualities that make the subject unique and to avoid overgeneralizing from it. Alternatives such as "a personal matter" or "a unique item" can provide similar emphasis depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a personal matter

Focuses on the personal aspect, implying something that pertains to a specific person's circumstances.

a unique item

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and singularity of the object or concept being discussed.

a discrete entity

Highlights the separateness and individuality of the subject from other things.

a singular case

Indicates that the situation or instance is one of a kind and not generally applicable.

a specific concern

Highlights that the issue at hand is specific to a person or situation, rather than general.

a tailored approach

Emphasizes customization and adaptation to suit particular needs or circumstances.

a one-off situation

Highlights that the described situation will only occur once.

a standalone element

Highlights the element can exists in isolation.

a private affair

Highlights that the situation is restricted to a particular person or group.

a separate issue

Draws attention to the distinct nature of a problem or topic, setting it apart from others.

FAQs

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

You can use "an individual thing" to emphasize the uniqueness of something. For instance, "Dealing with grief is "an individual thing", and people cope in different ways."

What are some alternatives to "an individual thing"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a personal matter", "a unique item", or "a specific concern", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a individual thing" instead of "an individual thing"?

No, it is incorrect. The correct article to use before "individual" is "an" because "individual" starts with a vowel sound.

In what contexts is "an individual thing" most appropriately used?

"An individual thing" is best used when discussing topics where personal experiences, preferences, or specific circumstances greatly influence the outcome or perspective. This can include medical treatments, creative expression, or personal beliefs.