be unique to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be unique to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is distinct or exclusive to a particular person, group, or situation. Example: "The traditions of this community are unique to their cultural heritage."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such observations may be unique to Canada.

BMJ Open

Your jumper will be unique to you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"One factor will not be unique to every person.

The New York Times - Health

A transformative moment like this cannot be unique to me.

The New York Times

Provident's response time may be unique to its neighborhood model.

The New York Times

Each IP address must be unique to distinguish it from other devices on the Internet.

The New York Times - Tech

But technology can now do many more things that used to be unique to people.

The Guardian - Tech

(Indeed, the movie-theatre foreshadowing proved to be unique to the second version).

The New Yorker

"It has to be unique to us," insists Mike Rawlings, the local mayor.

The Economist

If that's as far as the court goes, the decision would be unique to Texas.

The New York Times

A few new steps in the process appear to be unique to Louisville Slugger.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be unique to", ensure that the subject you are describing truly possesses a characteristic not found elsewhere, avoiding exaggeration. Use it to emphasize a distinguishing factor that significantly sets something apart.

Common error

Avoid using "be unique to" when describing something that is merely rare or uncommon. Reserve this phrase for instances where the characteristic is genuinely exclusive and unparalleled.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be unique to" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a particular attribute or characteristic is exclusively associated with a specific subject. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across varied subjects, from geographical locations to scientific phenomena.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be unique to" effectively communicates that a specific attribute or characteristic is exclusively associated with a particular subject. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While the phrase is frequently used, it’s essential to ensure accurate application, avoiding overstatements of uniqueness. Alternatives like ""be specific to"" and ""be exclusive to"" offer nuanced variations, allowing writers to select the most appropriate expression for their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be specific to

Focuses on particularity rather than absolute uniqueness.

be exclusive to

Highlights that something is restricted to a certain group or entity.

be particular to

Emphasizes the distinct association with a specific subject.

be peculiar to

Suggests that something is unusual or strange within a specific context.

be characteristic of

Indicates that something is a typical feature of a particular thing.

be distinctive of

Highlights that something is easily recognizable and sets something apart.

belong solely to

Emphasizes ownership or exclusive association.

be limited to

Indicates that something does not extend beyond a certain scope.

be restricted to

Similar to 'be limited to', but often implies a rule or constraint.

apply only to

Highlights that something is applicable in a specific situation.

FAQs

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

Use "be unique to" to describe a quality, characteristic, or attribute that is exclusively associated with a particular person, place, or thing. For example, "This dialect is unique to this region".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "be unique to"?

Alternatives include "be specific to", "be exclusive to", or "be particular to". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "very unique"?

Since 'unique' means 'one of a kind', adding an intensifier like 'very' is often considered redundant. Instead of "very unique", it's better to simply say "unique" or use a different adjective like "distinctive" or "exceptional".

What's the difference between "be unique to" and "be common to"?

"Be unique to" signifies something is exclusive to a particular entity, while "be common to" indicates something is shared among multiple entities. They are antonyms and should be used in contrasting situations.