is one of a kind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is one of a kind" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that is unique, rare, and has no equal. Example: This emerald necklace is one of a kind; you won't find another like it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Because this is one of a kind.

Cornell University

Eartha Kitt is one of a kind".

The New York Times - Arts

Coach Charmin is one of a kind.

The New York Times - Sports

He really is one of a kind".

The Guardian - Books

Each of us is one of a kind.

University of California, Berkeley

Clearly, Ralph Gonzalez is one of a kind.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Al Sharpton is one-of-a-kind," Mr. Ellner said.

The New York Times

And the view is one-of-a-kind.

The Guardian - Books

In certain ways, of course, this is correct: Trump's incompetence is one-of-a-kind.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He is one of a kind".

The New York Times - Sports

Each Live video is one-of-a-kind.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "is one of a kind" with a specific detail explaining why it's unique. For example, "This artwork is one of a kind, featuring a technique never seen before".

Common error

Be mindful not to use "is one of a kind" for things that are mass-produced or not genuinely unique. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and can make your writing seem less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is one of a kind" functions primarily as a predicative adjective. It modifies a noun or pronoun, asserting its unique and unparalleled nature. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, as showcased by the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is one of a kind" is a versatile and widely used expression for emphasizing uniqueness. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for diverse contexts. Analysis of the example sentences reveals its prevalence in journalistic and academic writing, where the need to highlight exceptional qualities is common. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject truly possesses distinctive attributes to maintain credibility and avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "is unique" or "is unparalleled" can offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Understanding the grammatical function and communicative purpose of "is one of a kind" enables effective integration into various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unique

Focuses directly on the property of being the only one of its type.

is unparalleled

Emphasizes that something has no equal in terms of quality or achievement.

is exceptional

Highlights that something is far above average or outstanding.

is unmatched

Implies that nothing else can compare to its level or quality.

is peerless

Indicates that something has no equal among its peers or contemporaries.

is distinctive

Suggests something is easily recognizable and different from others.

is singular

Highlights the characteristic of being remarkable or unique.

is sui generis

A Latin term meaning "of its own kind"; indicates something is unique and cannot be easily classified.

is in a class of its own

Emphasizes that something is so superior that it cannot be compared to others.

is like no other

Directly states that something is different from everything else.

FAQs

How can I use "is one of a kind" in a sentence?

Use "is one of a kind" to describe something unique and without equal. For example: "This handmade guitar "is one of a kind" because it's crafted from rare wood."

What are some alternatives to "is one of a kind"?

Alternatives include "is unique", "is unparalleled", or "is exceptional". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was one of a kind"?

Yes, "was one of a kind" is correct when referring to something or someone in the past who was unique. For example: "My grandmother "was one of a kind"; no one could bake like her."

What's the difference between "is one of a kind" and "is one of a type"?

"Is one of a kind" emphasizes uniqueness and individuality, while "is one of a type" simply indicates belonging to a specific category. Something that "is one of a kind" has no identical match, whereas something that "is one of a type" shares characteristics with others of the same category.