they are singular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are singular" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing grammatical number, particularly when referring to nouns or pronouns that are considered singular in form. Example: "In this context, the terms 'data' and 'media' are often treated as plural, but in some cases, they are singular."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

And yet they are singular creatures, too.

The New York Times

They are singular in their talents, singular in their vision".

The New York Times

They are singular places, of community tradition, memory and pride.

The New York Times

They are singular individuals, controversial in some quarters, and they head the first black First Family.

The Economist

People often deal with "stone-eating organisms," as if they are singular events, he added, rather than as adaptive beings.

The New York Times - Science

One major question about complex demonstratives is whether they are singular terms or quantifier phrases.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"They're lyrical, they're funny, they're singular," Mr. Rosenthal said of the prose poems.

The New York Times - Books

They're singular and mysterious and yet alluring in their own right.

The Guardian

For instance, Dorp remarked that we treat such names as 'Aristotle' as singular because they were singular for the original impositor.

SEP

Many people who deal with mental health issues feel like they're singular in dealing with their experience, according to licensed master social worker Nancy McCorry, who works at the University of Michigan's Addiction Treatment Services.

Huffington Post

We evidenced this hypothesis by sorting cells from the DAPI- or Hoechst-labeled GSCs of the first and second peaks of the DNA histogram (Fig. 6B and C, respectively), by determining whether they were singular or doublet cells by immunostaining (Fig. 6D), and by establishing their cell cycle phase based on their fusome morphology (Fig. 6E– E').

Aging Cell

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the 'they' being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Provide enough detail for the reader to understand what makes them singular.

Common error

Avoid using "they are singular" simply to mean 'they are few'. The phrase implies a unique quality, not just a small quantity. Instead of saying "they are singular" to express few quantity of something, use terms like few, limited, or scarce.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are singular" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a unique or exceptional quality to a group or set of items. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are singular" is grammatically sound and commonly used to highlight the unique or exceptional nature of a group. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples from diverse sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and scientific journals. While versatile, it's crucial to use this phrase accurately, ensuring the context clearly defines the 'they' being referenced and emphasizes their distinctive qualities rather than merely indicating a small quantity. Alternatives such as "they are unique" or "they are exceptional" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific emphasis required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are unique

Replaces "singular" with a more common synonym emphasizing distinctiveness.

they are exceptional

Emphasizes the outstanding or remarkable quality of the subject.

they are distinctive

Highlights the characteristic or easily recognizable nature of the subject.

they are uncommon

Indicates rarity or infrequency, suggesting a departure from the norm.

they are unparalleled

Stresses the unmatched or unrivaled nature of the subject.

they are individual

Focuses on the separate and distinct existence of each member of the group.

they are peculiar

Highlights the odd or unusual nature of the subject.

they are remarkable

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and impressiveness of the subject.

they are unmatched

Similar to "unparalleled", but with a slightly less formal tone.

they are one of a kind

Idiomatic expression emphasizing the uniqueness and irreplaceability of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "they are singular" in a sentence?

You can use "they are singular" to emphasize that while the subjects share a commonality, each is unique in its own way. For instance, "The artworks in the exhibition are all sculptures, but "they are singular" in their artistic expression."

What does it mean when something is described as "singular"?

When something is described as "singular", it means it is unique, exceptional, or stands out from others in some significant way. It implies a distinctive quality that sets it apart.

What are some alternatives to saying "they are singular"?

Alternatives include phrases like "they are unique", "they are exceptional", or "they are one of a kind", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "they are singular" grammatically correct?

Yes, "they are singular" is grammatically correct. "They" is a plural pronoun, and "are" is the corresponding plural form of the verb "to be". "Singular" is used here to describe the unique nature of each item within the group, not to indicate grammatical number.