is unique

USAGE SUMMARY

'is unique' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is one-of-a-kind. For example: "This painting is unique; you will never see another one like it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"She is unique".

The New York Times

The food is unique.

The New York Times - Travel

"Each piece is unique.

The New York Times

Nothing is unique.

The New York Times

Cyprus is unique.

The New York Times

Iqbāl's approach is unique.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Iran is unique.

The New Yorker

The Corporation is unique.

The Economist

He is unique.

The New York Times

Anthony's situation is unique.

The New York Times - Sports

It is unique.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is unique", ensure that you are indeed referring to something that is truly one-of-a-kind, or at least highly distinctive within its specific context. Overuse can dilute its impact. Be specific about what makes it unique.

Common error

Avoid using "is unique" to describe something that is merely slightly different or uncommon. Reserve it for instances where the subject possesses genuinely unparalleled attributes, or you risk sounding hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unique" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject of a sentence by asserting its one-of-a-kind nature. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is unique" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to emphasize that something is one-of-a-kind. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While versatile, it should be reserved for cases where true singularity exists to avoid diluting its impact. It's frequently found in news and media, but applicable across many contexts. For alternatives, consider phrases like "is one of a kind" or "is unparalleled" for similar emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is one of a kind

Conveys the rarity and special nature of the subject, focusing on its distinctiveness.

is singular

Highlights the individual and unmatched nature of the subject, indicating it's the only one of its kind.

is unparalleled

Highlights the absence of any equal or similar counterpart.

is incomparable

Emphasizes that the subject is so unique it cannot be fairly compared to anything else.

has no equal

Emphasizes that the subject's qualities or achievements are unmatched by anything else.

is unmatched

Underscores the superior quality or characteristic, indicating it cannot be equaled.

is peerless

Stresses the subject's superiority and lack of equals, often in terms of skill or quality.

stands alone

Emphasizes the unparalleled nature of the subject, highlighting its lack of direct comparison.

is unprecedented

Highlights the lack of prior instances or occurrences, focusing on its novelty and originality.

is distinctive

Focuses on the easily recognizable and characteristic qualities that set the subject apart.

FAQs

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

Use "is unique" to emphasize that something is the only one of its kind. For instance, "This artwork "is unique" because the artist used a technique never seen before."

What can I say instead of "is unique"?

You can use alternatives like "is one of a kind", "is unparalleled", or "is singular" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the nuance you want to emphasize.

Which is correct, "is unique" or "is very unique"?

"Is unique" is generally preferred because "unique" inherently means one-of-a-kind. Adding "very" is redundant and can weaken the statement. It's better to say something is "exceptionally rare" or "highly distinctive" if you want to emphasize the degree of uniqueness.

What's the difference between "is unique" and "is special"?

"Is unique" implies that something is the only one of its kind, while "is special" suggests that something is valuable or important in some way. Something can be special without being unique, and vice versa. For instance, a mass-produced item might be special to someone because of sentimental value, but it "is unique".