distinct individual

USAGE SUMMARY

"distinct individual" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that stands out, is unique, or is easily recognizable. For example: "The artist's distinct individual style of painting helped her to rise to fame."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not so much a distinct individual as a distinctive voice, this narrator speaks to us as if from the lip of a stage, in darkness.

The New Yorker

Each of these seeds is a genetically distinct individual.

Cornell University

The work from his second phase may express a more distinct, individual vision, but of what?

The New York Times - Arts

I go about making such systems through programming distinct, individual elements and then letting them interact.

Cornell University

We've got so used to seeing them play the different models of each Cylon as distinct, individual characters that there was a real shock when Boomer (Grace Park) beat up Athena (Grace Park).

The Guardian

Up until now, the four ranges have had distinct individual design and marketing strategies, aimed at different audiences, but under the new proposition they will be united by an ad campaign featuring all the packs with a linked design.

The Guardian

They can form vast subterranean networks of threadlike growths, which sometimes fuse with other networks, mingling their DNA so that they wind up as strange genetic chimeras, defying our notion of what it means to be a genetically distinct individual.

The New York Times - Books

By characterizing these distinct individual processes, it is possible to attain the required information to develop predictive, physics-base wildfire spotting models.

Fire Safety Journal

However, these models generated using different CAD software have distinct Individual formats, and are difficult to use in another simulation environment.

CIRP Annals

Tropical clownfish, such as Amphiprion ocellaris, the species made popular by Pixar movie Finding Nemo in 2003, also showed distinct individual personalities, making A.latezonatus the bland one in the group.

The Guardian

While the expertise of the staffs comes as no surprise, something else in the hospitals does: the tendency to regard each patient a battered doll, a chewed‐up teddy bear, a moth‐eaten toy monkey as a distinct individual.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinct individual" to emphasize the unique qualities or characteristics that set someone or something apart from others, especially in contexts where individuality is important.

Common error

While "distinct individual" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in a single text. Vary your language by using synonyms like "unique person" or "separate entity" to maintain reader engagement and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinct individual" functions as a noun phrase, where "distinct" modifies "individual". It is typically used to emphasize the unique characteristics and qualities of a person or thing, as confirmed by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinct individual" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize the unique qualities and characteristics of a person or entity. According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct and suitable for describing something or someone that stands out. While the phrase is common across various contexts, including science, news, and academia, it's essential to avoid overusing it and consider synonyms like "unique person" or "separate entity" for variety. Using "distinct individual" highlights individuality and separateness, contributing a nuanced emphasis that can be valuable in descriptive and analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individual entity

Emphasizes the unique existence of an individual, possibly in a more formal tone.

one-of-a-kind person

Highlights the rarity and uniqueness of a person, implying that they are irreplaceable.

unique person

Focuses on the singularity and irreplaceability of a person.

separate entity

Highlights the independent existence and boundaries of an individual or object.

particular person

Refers to a specific and identifiable person, emphasizing their specific traits.

singular being

Emphasizes the unique and irreplaceable nature of a person or creature, using a more elevated tone.

discrete unit

Highlights the separate and non-overlapping nature of something, often used in technical contexts.

independent agent

Stresses the capacity for autonomous action and decision-making.

identifiable subject

Focuses on the ability to recognize and differentiate a person or thing from others.

specific character

Highlights the unique traits and attributes of a person or thing.

FAQs

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

You can use "distinct individual" to emphasize the unique qualities of a person, object, or concept. For example, "Each artist has a "unique artistic style" that makes them a "distinct individual" in the art world".

What are some alternatives to "distinct individual"?

Alternatives include "unique person", "separate entity", or "individual entity". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "distinct individual"?

While "individual" already implies a degree of separateness, using "distinct individual" can add emphasis to the uniqueness and specific characteristics of that individual. It's not strictly redundant, but consider if the emphasis is necessary for your context.

What does it mean to describe someone as a "distinct individual"?

Describing someone as a "distinct individual" means they possess noticeable and unique qualities or characteristics that set them apart from others. It highlights their individuality and specific attributes.