sui generis

USAGE SUMMARY

'sui generis' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a Latin phrase meaning "of its own kind" or "unique". You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is distinct from others in its category. For example, "The author's style of writing is sui generis, containing vivid imagery and intricate metaphors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sui Generis.

The New York Times

She's sui generis.

Independent

It's very sui generis.

The Economist

Abortion is sui generis.

The New York Times

Just sui generis.

The New Yorker

It is sui generis.

The New Yorker

Arquitectonica is sui generis.

The New York Times - Arts

Vietnam is sui generis.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was sui generis.

The Guardian - Books

The rest is sui generis.

The New York Times

Minecraft, however, feels sui generis.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sui generis" when you want to emphasize that something is truly unique and doesn't fit neatly into any existing category. This phrase adds a touch of sophistication and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "sui generis" as a noun. It is an adjective, meaning 'of its own kind' or 'unique'. Incorrect: 'That artist is a sui generis.' Correct: 'That artist's style is sui generis.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sui generis" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they are unique, unparalleled, and belong to their own class. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a common term across many sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Sui generis", meaning 'of its own kind', is a common and useful adjective to emphasize the uniqueness of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's most frequently found in News & Media and is suitable for formal writing contexts. When using "sui generis", avoid the common mistake of using it as a noun. Synonyms like "one of a kind" or "unique" can be used if you want to avoid using a Latin phrase. Remember to use "sui generis" when you want to highlight that something truly stands alone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one of a kind

Focuses on the uniqueness of the subject, emphasizing its singularity and lack of comparable instances.

unique

Highlights the distinct characteristics of the subject that set it apart from others of its kind.

unparalleled

Emphasizes the lack of equals or superiors, underlining the subject's exceptional standing.

incomparable

Stresses the difficulty or impossibility of comparing the subject to anything else due to its distinct nature.

distinctive

Focuses on the easily recognizable and characteristic features that differentiate the subject.

exceptional

Highlights the subject's deviation from the norm, particularly in a positive or remarkable way.

uncommon

Indicates rarity and infrequency, emphasizing the subject's deviation from the ordinary.

extraordinary

Emphasizes the subject's remarkable and outstanding qualities, exceeding typical expectations.

peerless

Highlights the subject's lack of equals, focusing on its superior quality and unmatched standing.

unmatched

Stresses the absence of comparable or equivalent examples, underlining the subject's singular nature.

FAQs

How can I use "sui generis" in a sentence?

Use "sui generis" to describe something that is unique and doesn't fit into a common category. For instance, "Her artistic style is "sui generis", blending elements of impressionism and surrealism".

What does "sui generis" mean?

"Sui generis" is a Latin term that translates to "of its own kind" or "unique". It's used to describe something that is so unique it is in a class of its own.

What are some synonyms for "sui generis"?

Alternatives to "sui generis" include "one of a kind", "unique", or "distinctive". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "sui generis" in formal writing?

Yes, "sui generis" is suitable for formal writing. It adds a level of sophistication and precision when describing something truly unique. However, ensure the context warrants such a term.