exclusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "exclusive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not shared or available to all. For example: "This store offers exclusive discounts to members of its loyalty program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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The Guardian

"The data show that not only is there declining trust in government, there is declining trust in other people"; although it wasn't exclusive to them, this shift was "concentrated among these poor kids, the kids who have been left out," Putnam said.

The Economist

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The Guardian

The Guardian published the story after the Daily Telegraph refused to for fear of offending its readers, even after the paper had paid a substantial sum to secure the exclusive rights.

The Guardian - Books

Because of its entirely exclusive focus on female victims, it seems unlikely that any of these new funds will reach the thousands of men and boys who suffer from this kind of abuse.

The Guardian

The Guardian has unveiled its Australian digital edition with a pledge to deliver a "fresh and independent view", starting with an exclusive interview with prime minister Julia Gillard who criticises rival Tony Abbott's flagship paid parental leave policy as "anti-women" – and revealing that she is a secret Game of Thrones fan.

The Guardian

Banks and bankers are now potential targets for the Real IRA, leaders of the dissident republican terror group have warned in an exclusive interview with the Guardian.

The Guardian

■ NCDs are not restricted or exclusive to one vehicle.

The Guardian - Money

But the resource push is hardly exclusive to the region's left-leaning governments.

The Guardian

Daily Beast said that "knowing the right people — or having the right look — can get you into the most exclusive of spots" and Vice once claimed that "the concept of the VIP has become a national obsession".

The Guardian

The Divorce Clinic will use fixed and other cameras to record couples going through the process of divorce with exclusive access to the National Family Mediation service.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "exclusive" with specific nouns to highlight particular benefits. For example, "exclusive content", "exclusive offer", or "exclusive access".

Common error

Avoid overusing the word "exclusive" in marketing materials without providing genuine value. Customers may perceive it as a marketing gimmick if the offer or product does not truly offer unique benefits.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "exclusive" primarily functions to modify nouns, indicating that something is limited to a specific group or not available to everyone. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "exclusive" is a versatile adjective denoting limited access or unique availability. As Ludwig AI highlights, its grammatical usage is correct, and it appears frequently across diverse sources such as news outlets and business publications. Key alternatives include "sole", "unique", and "restricted", each carrying slightly different connotations. When writing, use "exclusive" judiciously, pairing it with specific nouns to amplify impact and avoiding overuse in marketing contexts where its meaning may be diluted. The term serves to highlight scarcity, uniqueness, and privileged access in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sole

Emphasizes being the only one; less about excluding others, more about singularity.

unique

Highlights distinctiveness and rarity, not necessarily implying exclusion.

restricted

Focuses on the limited access or availability imposed on something.

private

Suggests something is not public or shared, often implying secrecy or confidentiality.

confidential

Highlights the sensitivity of information, emphasizing its need to be kept secret.

limited

Indicates a finite quantity or scope, not necessarily implying exclusion but scarcity.

select

Implies a careful choice or preference, often indicating high quality or suitability.

elite

Refers to a superior or privileged group, implying exclusivity through status or achievement.

privileged

Suggests special rights or advantages, often granting access not available to others.

uncommon

Emphasizes rarity and infrequency, suggesting a deviation from the norm but not necessarily deliberate exclusion.

FAQs

How to use "exclusive" in a sentence?

You can use "exclusive" to describe something limited to a select group or not available to everyone. For example, "This club offers "exclusive benefits" to its members."

What can I say instead of "exclusive"?

You can use alternatives like "sole", "unique", or "restricted" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "exclusive access" or "inclusive access"?

"Exclusive access" implies limited or restricted entry, while "inclusive access" suggests open or unrestricted entry. The correct phrase depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "exclusive" and "proprietary"?

"Exclusive" indicates limited access or availability, while "proprietary" refers to something privately owned and controlled. A proprietary technology, for example, might be used to create "exclusive products".