individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "individual" is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a single person or thing that can be distinguished from others, or to refer to the qualities or characteristics that make a person or thing unique. Example: Each individual student brings unique strengths that can contribute to the overall success of the class.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"How often, or on what system, the Thought Police plugged in on any individual wire was guesswork.

The New York Times

There are individual men and women, and there are families".

The New York Times

Beyond anecdote, we know very little about what kind and quantity of information is being delisted from search results, what sources are being delisted and on what scale, what kinds of requests fail and in what proportion, and what are Google's guidelines in striking the balance between individual privacy and freedom of expression interests.

The Guardian - Tech

The ruling effectively enlisted Google into partnership with European states in striking a balance between individual privacy and public discourse interests.

The Guardian - Tech

To provide personalised services unique to individual users.

The Guardian

Over the past decade, Kazakhs have experienced a steady reduction in individual rights.

The Guardian

Kennedy said that the new law is "changing the relation of the individual to the government".

The Guardian

I'm part of a team, not acting as an individual".

The Guardian

In the second day of hearings on Tuesday, the judges described the two-year-old law as fundamentally changing the relationship between the individual and the government, giving Congress virtually unlimited power to force people to buy products for their own good.

The Guardian

In theory, it is possible that gentle nudges will turn into intrusive diktats and the nanny state will drain individual responsibility.

The New York Times

Regardless, though, any individual bettor knows that if he wins, the casino loses, and vice versa.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you're writing, consider whether "person" or "entity" might be more appropriate depending on whether you're referring to a human being or something else.

Common error

In casual conversation, it's often more natural to use "person" or "someone" instead of "individual". For example, say "I met someone at the store" rather than "I met an individual at the store".

Linguistic Context

The word "individual" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a single person or entity. It can also function as an adjective, describing something intended for or relating to a single person. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "individual" is a versatile term, functioning as both a noun and an adjective, primarily used to single out a person or entity from a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used. While appropriate in many contexts, be mindful of the register; "person" or "someone" might be more suitable in informal settings. The analysis of source material reveals the prevalence of "individual" in news, business, and scientific domains, confirming its status as a widely recognized and utilized term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

single person

Focuses specifically on the human aspect, omitting the possibility of referring to an object or entity.

one person

Emphasizes the numerical aspect of being a single human being.

particular person

Highlights that a specific, identifiable person is being referred to.

specific entity

Broadens the scope to include non-human entities, losing the personal connotation.

single unit

Implies that the "individual" is part of a larger system and acts as an independent component.

solitary figure

Evokes a sense of isolation or being alone, adding an emotional layer.

distinct being

Highlights the unique and separate existence of the "individual", emphasizing individuality.

separate identity

Focuses on the unique characteristics and recognition of the "individual" within a group.

unique entity

Stresses the distinctiveness and non-replicable nature of the "individual".

personal identity

Focuses on the characteristics that make a person unique and different from others.

FAQs

How can I use "individual" in a sentence?

You can use "individual" to refer to a single person or thing, for example: "Each "individual student" has unique talents." It can also describe something designed for a single person, such as "individual attention".

What words can I substitute for "individual"?

Depending on the context, you could use "person", "entity", "single", "specific", or "particular" as alternatives to "individual".

Is it better to say "individual" or "person"?

While both refer to a single human, "individual" often emphasizes the person's distinctness or separateness, while "person" is more general. Choose the word that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "individual" and "collective"?

"Individual" refers to a single person or thing, while "collective" refers to a group or collection of people or things. They are antonyms, representing opposite concepts.