singular to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "singular to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts discussing grammatical number, particularly when referring to the singular form of a noun or verb in relation to its plural counterpart. Example: "In English, the word 'child' is singular to 'children'."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

His playing is just too singular to be generically labelled.

The Guardian - Music

Grammatical issues aside, the phrase is singular to L.S.U, which trademarked it in 2005.

The New York Times

But their music feels too singular to be the starting point of a new movement.

The Guardian - Music

It was too beloved, too singular, to be chopped up and sold for parts like this.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I'm trying to make things as singular to me as possible.

The Guardian - Film

Like Mad Men, critically acclaimed but never popular, it is too singular to be a hit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wilde's argument for socialism prior to his imprisonment is singular, to say the least.

The Guardian - Opinion

And if I can't give you that, I can say: Would you be satisfied that the family structure I'm describing is not singular to my family, but singular to a more institutional family?

The Guardian

As with all good art, one keeps coming back to the singular, to particular images and moments.

The Guardian - Arts

The detail of her bony legs covered with Vaseline and clay — a southern black alternative to stockings I first learned of from her — is singular to her time.

The New Yorker

But you know I was here.' " Ms. Angelou said that Frederick Douglass used the first-person singular to talk about the story of a whole group of people.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "singular to", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being uniquely associated with something else. For example, "This symptom is singular to this specific disease."

Common error

Avoid using "singular to" when referring to plural subjects. For example, instead of saying "These traits are singular to cats", consider "These traits are characteristic of cats" or "These traits are unique to cats".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "singular to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun's characteristic is unique or specific to a particular subject. Ludwig indicates that the usage is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "singular to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase indicating uniqueness or specificity. Ludwig highlights its correct usage across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific literature. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies the precise association being made. Alternatives such as "unique to" or "specific to" offer similar meanings, catering to slight variations in intended emphasis. It's important to avoid using "singular to" with plural subjects to maintain grammatical accuracy. The phrase is considered neutral in register and effectively communicates that a particular attribute is unique to a specific subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unique to

Expresses exclusivity to a particular subject or entity, emphasizing its distinctiveness.

specific to

Highlights the precision and particularity of the association.

exclusive to

Indicates that something is only available or applicable to a certain entity.

peculiar to

Suggests that something is unusual or characteristic of a particular thing.

distinctive of

Emphasizes the characteristic qualities that set something apart.

characteristic of

Highlights the typical traits or features associated with something.

limited to

Indicates a restriction or boundary to a specific area or group.

isolated to

Implies that something is confined or restricted to a certain entity or location.

confined to

Highlights the restriction of something within specific limits.

restricted to

Suggests a controlled boundary, indicating that something is only applicable within certain parameters.

FAQs

How can I use "singular to" in a sentence?

Use "singular to" to indicate that something is unique or specific to a particular subject. For example, "That behavior is "singular to" that species".

What's the difference between "unique to" and "singular to"?

"Unique to" and "singular to" are often interchangeable, but "singular to" can also refer to grammatical number. In the sense of uniqueness, they both imply that something is specific to a particular entity or situation. You can use "unique to" to rephrase.

Is it correct to say something is "singular of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "singular" in this context is "to". "Singular of" is not standard English.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "singular to"?

Alternatives include "unique to", "specific to", or "exclusive to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.