be unique

USAGE SUMMARY

"be unique" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a command or advice to encourage someone to be different or stand out from the crowd. Example: "In a world full of copies, be unique." This phrase could be used as a motivational quote or as a reminder to embrace one's individuality.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be unique about something.

The New York Times

It would be unique".

The New York Times

"That would be unique".

The New York Times - Sports

"Every show will be unique".

The New York Times - Arts

I wanted to be unique".

The New York Times

"I want to be unique".

The New York Times

It must be unique.

MIT Technology Review

It will be unique.

The Guardian - Music

The setting should be unique.

The Guardian

Your response will be unique.

The New York Times - Arts

It may be unique in Western history.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "be unique", consider specifying the context or area where they should strive for individuality. For instance, "Be unique in your problem-solving approach" provides more actionable guidance than a general statement.

Common error

Avoid pursuing uniqueness for its own sake, as it can lead to impractical or ineffective outcomes. Prioritize substance and value first, then explore ways to make it distinctive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be unique" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to embrace and express their individuality. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is a common way to encourage distinctiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

34%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be unique" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative phrase used to encourage individuality and distinctiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical standing and general acceptability. It is frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. Remember to balance uniqueness with practicality and authenticity. Strive to stand out in a meaningful way that aligns with your values and goals, drawing inspiration from diverse sources while staying true to yourself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay true to yourself

Emphasizes authenticity and adherence to one's values and beliefs.

embrace your uniqueness

Stresses the acceptance and celebration of one's individual qualities.

dare to be different

Emphasizes the courage to deviate from norms and expectations.

march to the beat of your own drum

Emphasizes independence and non-conformity.

express your individuality

Highlights the outward demonstration of one's personal characteristics.

stand out from the crowd

Focuses on being noticeable and distinct within a group.

cultivate individuality

Focuses on the active development of one's distinct qualities.

show your true colors

Focuses on revealing one's authentic self without pretense.

forge your own path

Highlights independence and self-direction in life's journey.

carve out a niche

Highlights finding a specific area where one can excel and be distinctive.

FAQs

How can I use "be unique" in a sentence?

You can use "be unique" as a command to encourage someone to express their individuality, such as in the sentence, "In a world of sameness, /s/be+unique."

What's a more formal way to say "be unique"?

While "be unique" is generally acceptable, in formal contexts, you might consider phrases like "cultivate individuality" or "distinguish yourself" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it always good to "be unique"?

While individuality is valuable, /s/be+unique should be balanced with practicality and effectiveness. Uniqueness for its own sake can sometimes be counterproductive.

What's the difference between "be unique" and "be yourself"?

"Be yourself" encourages authenticity, while /s/be+unique emphasizes standing out from others. They are related but not identical; you can be yourself without necessarily being markedly different from everyone else.