to be individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be individual" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used in contexts discussing the importance of individuality or personal identity, but it may require additional context for clarity. Example: "In a world that often encourages conformity, it is essential to be individual and embrace our unique qualities."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its complicated and individually what causes depression so treatment needs to be individual.

Harvard University

Children are individuals so the solution needs to be individual.

The Guardian

They had influences, sure, but they wanted to be individual.

The Guardian

It's preached upon us to be individual, to be ourselves.

Independent

It tends to be individual departments going out, not the entire company".

The Guardian - Money

People tend by their nature to be individual and idiosyncratic rather than representative and typical.

The Guardian - Arts

I also encourage my students to be individual thinkers and focus on process over product.

The New York Times

It has to be subjective and it has to be individual".

The Guardian - Sport

Like most, they considered it to be individual cases about individual priests.

The New Yorker

"He's vindicating the right of the individual to be individual," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The news wants to weaken our attachment and curiosity: we need desperately to be individual thinkers.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the importance of self-expression and authenticity, use "to be individual" to encourage embracing unique qualities. This is especially effective in contexts where conformity is discouraged.

Common error

Avoid using "to be individual" excessively in formal contexts where more precise terms like "to be unique" or "to differentiate oneself" might be more appropriate and impactful. The phrase can sometimes sound redundant if not carefully integrated into the sentence structure.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to be individual" is as an infinitive phrase. It often serves as a complement, expressing a desired state or quality. As Ludwig examples show, it emphasizes the importance of self-expression and standing out from the crowd.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be individual" is a phrase that emphasizes the importance of self-expression and uniqueness. While grammatically acceptable and widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia, its appropriateness can vary depending on the desired level of formality. Ludwig's analysis suggests that while the phrase is prevalent, alternative expressions like "to be unique" or "to be oneself" might offer greater precision in certain situations. Despite Ludwig indicating acceptable usage, writers should consider the specific context and desired tone to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be unique

Focuses on distinctiveness and standing out from others.

to be oneself

Emphasizes authenticity and genuineness in one's actions and expressions.

to express individuality

Highlights the act of showing one's unique qualities and characteristics.

to assert one's identity

Focuses on confidently affirming and displaying one's personal identity.

to stand out from the crowd

Emphasizes being different and noticeable among a group of people.

to march to the beat of one's own drum

Implies independent action and nonconformity.

to be different

A simpler expression of not being the same as others.

to cultivate uniqueness

Focuses on developing and nurturing one's individual traits.

to embrace individuality

Highlights the act of accepting and valuing one's unique qualities.

to forge one's own path

Emphasizes creating a unique and independent life or career.

FAQs

How can I use "to be individual" in a sentence?

You can use "to be individual" to emphasize the importance of self-expression and uniqueness, such as, "It is important "to be individual" and not conform to societal expectations."

What are some alternatives to "to be individual"?

Alternatives include "to be unique", "to be oneself", or "to express individuality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "to be individual"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but the appropriateness depends on the context. It is generally acceptable but may sometimes benefit from being rephrased for improved clarity or formality.

What's the difference between "to be individual" and "to be unique"?

"To be individual" emphasizes possessing distinct characteristics, while "to be unique" implies being the only one of its kind. While similar, "to be unique" suggests a higher degree of distinctiveness.