in unique cases

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in unique cases" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific situations that are distinct or exceptional compared to the norm. Example: "In unique cases, we may consider alternative solutions that deviate from our standard procedures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Mr. Pataki has also granted two clemencies at other times of year, in unique cases, one of which also dealt with a drug offender.

The New York Times

The collaborative had to find a balance between allowing highly trained clinicians to use their judgment in unique cases and creating standard approaches for treating the vast majority of patients.

Harvard Business Review

The Office of Communications does not have the resources to pitch individual news stories for student groups, except in unique cases involving a major campus-wide event or initiative.

Harvard University

In unique cases, when justified and approved by the adviser prior to taking the course, courses listed here may be substituted for courses listed above in the elective sequences.

Stanford University

Replies to this line of attack have contended that were we to insist that inferences in unique cases were out of order, then we would have to rule out otherwise perfectly respectable scientific accounts of the origin of the cosmos.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

However, as it is clear to us now, in some unique cases like the Trump phenomenon, we could only learn little from recent direct history.

Harvard Business Review

Sometimes, you can use that to your advantage, and in some unique cases, you're able to get results which may be better than if it received no public attention.

Los Angeles Times

KRAS (3/11), BRAF (2/11) and/or NRAS (1/11) mutations were identified in five unique cases.

BMC Cancer

Benisho argued that "this appeal fails to set the proper punishment in a unique case in which a general punishment level which has not yet been set".

Huffington Post

In a few unique cases, TV fan enthusiasm has already translated into real action, and tangible returns.

Huffington Post

"There ought to be some way that in very rare and unique cases an exception can be made," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in unique cases", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the cases unique, providing specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in unique cases" as a blanket statement without providing specific reasons or examples of what makes those cases unique. Always substantiate the claim with relevant details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in unique cases" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by specifying the circumstances under which something occurs. It indicates that the statement applies only to particular, exceptional situations, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in unique cases" serves to qualify statements, restricting their application to specific, exceptional situations. While grammatically correct, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequency is relatively rare. It commonly appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts. For clarity, always specify what makes these cases "unique" to avoid ambiguity. Remember that alternatives like "in exceptional cases" or "in rare cases" can provide slightly different nuances depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in singular cases

Focuses on the singularity of the case, implying a one-off situation.

in exceptional cases

Highlights the exceptional nature of the situation, suggesting a deviation from the norm.

in unusual cases

Emphasizes the rarity and uncommon nature of the situation.

in rare cases

Indicates the infrequency of the situation's occurrence.

in particular cases

Specifies that the consideration applies to certain distinct instances.

in specific instances

Highlights certain concrete situations or events.

in distinct cases

Focuses on the separated and differentiated nature of the cases.

in atypical cases

Points out the deviation from typical or expected patterns.

in isolated cases

Emphasizes the lack of connection or commonality with other situations.

in unprecedented cases

Indicates that there is no historical parallel for the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "in unique cases" to introduce situations that require special consideration or deviate from the norm. For example, "In unique cases, we may need to adjust our standard operating procedures."

What are some alternatives to "in unique cases"?

Alternatives include "in exceptional cases", "in rare cases", or "in specific instances", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "in unique cases" formal or informal?

"In unique cases" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language should align with the intended register.

What distinguishes "in unique cases" from "in rare cases"?

"In unique cases" emphasizes the distinctiveness or exceptional nature of the situation, while "in rare cases" simply highlights its infrequency. The former implies a qualitative difference, the latter, a quantitative one.