somewhat singular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat singular" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unique or distinct to a certain degree, often implying that it stands out in a particular context. Example: "Her approach to problem-solving is somewhat singular, setting her apart from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In a first part of this paper, we study theoretically the phenomena of internal layers appearing during the singular perturbation process, when the loading is somewhat singular.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Gregory, in turn, embraced the metaphor of rebuilding the basketball program along with the actual arena, though he says the somewhat singular situation — U.C.L.A. is dealing with a similar issue — has not become a major distraction.

The New York Times - Sports

It seems somewhat singular that the same sun that looked down on the faces of the slain, blistering them, blotting out from the bodies all semblance to humanity, and hastening corruption, should have thus caught their features upon canvas, and given them perpetuity for ever.

The New York Times

If he has not brought bodies and laid them in our dooryards and along the streets, he has done something very like it.…It seems somewhat singular that the same sun that looked down on the faces of the slain, blistering them, blotting out from the bodies all semblance to humanity, and hastening corruption, should have thus caught their features upon canvas, and given them perpetuity for ever.

Britannica

(1.4) However, the ratio-dependent response function has somewhat singular behaviors at low densities, which has been the source of controversy and has been criticized on the other grounds [43, 44].

Advances in Difference Equations

Many authors have observed that the ratio-dependent models can exhibit much richer, more complicated and more reasonable or acceptable dynamics, but it has somewhat singular behavior at low densities which has been the source of controversy [35].

Advances in Difference Equations

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Across the city, as the horror of the World Trade Center attack continued to reverberate in ways both large and small, there were signs that the singular, somewhat prickly face of New York was returning.

The New York Times

The spline fitting approach results in very small spline fitting errors for the heat conduction problem and the regularized driven cavity, whereas the fitting errors in the standard lid-driven cavity case are somewhat larger due to the singular behaviour of the pressure near the driven lid.

Journal of Computational Physics

Additionally, it is desirable that singular nodes appear somewhat separated from the regular ones, which renders their classification non-arbitrary.

Plosone

As Dr Ryan Gingeras, author of Sultans of Smack: Heroin, Organized Crime and the Making of Modern Turkey, tells me over email: "To think of a French Connection as a singular network dating back to the 30s is somewhat misleading.

Vice

As Dr. Ryan Gingeras, author of Sultans of Smack: Heroin, Organized Crime, and the Making of Modern Turkey, tells me over email: "To think of a French Connection as a singular network dating back to the 30s is somewhat misleading.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or methodologies, "somewhat singular" can subtly suggest innovation without overstating its novelty.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat singular" when describing something that is genuinely common or unremarkable. Ensure the context supports the claim of any level of uniqueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat singular" functions as an adverbial modifier that qualifies the adjective "singular". According to Ludwig, it indicates a partial or limited degree of uniqueness or distinction. This means that the subject in question possesses unique qualities, but not to an absolute extent.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat singular" is a grammatically sound and semantically precise way to express a degree of uniqueness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. As an adverb-adjective combination, it modifies the adjective "singular", indicating that something is unique, but not absolutely so. Its primary function is to provide a nuanced description, avoiding overstatement. It is commonly found in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a degree of formality. When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies any claim of uniqueness, and consider more specific language for enhanced clarity. Remember that several similar phrases such as "relatively unique", "fairly uncommon" and "partly exceptional" exist that may be more suitable for some use cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively unique

Emphasizes the uniqueness of something compared to a reference point.

somewhat distinctive

Underscores the quality of being easily distinguishable from others to a degree.

moderately peculiar

Highlights the odd or unusual nature of something to a limited extent.

somewhat exceptional

Implies that the entity is above average, yet not entirely out of the ordinary.

fairly uncommon

Focuses on the infrequency of something.

distinct to some extent

Highlights a certain degree of distinction.

relatively rare

Indicates something isn't commonly encountered.

partly exceptional

Suggests that something is above average but not entirely so.

slightly atypical

Highlights the non-conforming nature of something.

unusual in part

Emphasizes that the unusual aspect is just one component of the whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat singular" to describe something that possesses unique characteristics, but isn't entirely unprecedented. For instance, "Her approach is "somewhat singular", differing slightly from conventional methods."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat singular"?

Alternatives include "relatively unique", "fairly uncommon", or "partly exceptional". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "somewhat singular" too vague for formal writing?

While "somewhat singular" is acceptable, more precise language might be preferable in formal contexts. Consider quantifying the degree of uniqueness or specifying the aspects that make it distinct. Use alternatives like "distinct to some extent" to enhance clarity.

What's the difference between "somewhat singular" and "completely unique"?

"Somewhat singular" implies a degree of uniqueness, but allows for similarities with other things. "Completely unique", on the other hand, suggests that something is entirely without precedent or parallel. Use "somewhat singular" to soften an assertion of uniqueness.