special ones

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "special ones" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals or items that are considered unique or significant in a particular context. Example: "In our family, the holidays are for the special ones, the people we cherish the most."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were not the only special ones on Centre Court yesterday.

The Guardian - Sport

'One Martin Allen' was the soundtrack of the last few minutes - recognition of the job he does every day, not just on special ones.

The Guardian - Sport

Of special note is the assortment of sweets: Turns out the Corsillos had an employee research American-made candy and stock up on some special ones.

The New York Times

Unlike regular grand juries, these special ones do not meet on regular schedules; they are convened whenever prosecutors believe it necessary.

The New York Times

"Dan's one of the special, special ones.

BBC

The Yuna photo, reminiscent of a classic image from the Jazz Age, is one of "the rare special ones [that] become art for me," Silverman said.

Los Angeles Times

A few boats ("special ones," said Arun) even had guides giving running commentary on what was happening on the banks.

The Guardian

On occasions, at a certain time ONLY, Throw special ones like plushie parties, phantom parties, or gummy bear parties like julian2's!

WikiHow

Print out the special ones and make a small photo album for your loved one to give him or her a physical reminder about how much you mean to each other.

WikiHow

And those dreams were special ones.

The New York Times

He was one of the special ones.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "special ones" to emphasize a unique quality, rarity, or significance. It can add a layer of appreciation or importance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "special ones" as a generic compliment without specific justification. Overusing it dilutes its impact and makes your writing sound insincere. Instead, highlight specific traits or achievements that make them stand out.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "special ones" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to refer to a group of individuals, items, or instances that are considered unique, significant, or exceptional. As supported by Ludwig, it's commonly employed to highlight distinctiveness or importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

9%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "special ones" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote items, people, or events that possess unique or significant qualities. As supported by Ludwig, its high frequency across diverse sources, especially news and media, underscores its versatility. While generally neutral in register, thoughtful application ensures the phrase resonates with the intended tone. To maximize impact, clearly define the qualities that make them special and avoid overuse. Alternatives like "unique individuals" or "exceptional cases" can provide variety, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unique individuals

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and individuality of the subjects.

exceptional cases

Highlights instances that deviate from the norm due to their outstanding nature.

distinguished people

Focuses on individuals who have achieved recognition for their remarkable qualities.

select few

Indicates a small group possessing exclusive attributes or privileges.

rare breeds

Implies scarcity and exceptional quality, often used metaphorically.

cherished individuals

Highlights the value and affection associated with the subjects.

prized possessions

Emphasizes the high value and desirability of items or qualities.

notable figures

Focuses on individuals who are recognized for their achievements or impact.

standout examples

Indicates instances that are particularly noteworthy or exemplary.

remarkable instances

Highlights the unusual or extraordinary nature of events or occurrences.

FAQs

How can I use "special ones" in a sentence?

You can use "special ones" to refer to people, items, or events that are unique or significant. For instance, "The handmade gifts were the "special ones" I treasured most."

What's a good alternative to "special ones"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "unique individuals", "exceptional cases", or "distinguished people".

Is it ever incorrect to use "special ones"?

While grammatically correct, overuse or vague application can diminish its effectiveness. Ensure the context provides clear justification for considering something as "special". Use it sparingly and be specific.

What's the difference between "special ones" and "particular ones"?

"Special ones" implies a unique or significant quality, whereas "particular ones" simply refers to specific items or individuals within a larger group, without necessarily implying anything extraordinary.