to be unique

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be unique" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe or define something that is one-of-a-kind or distinct from everything else. Example: The design of this building is meant to be unique and stand out from the rest of the city's architecture.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I wanted to be unique".

The New York Times

"I want to be unique".

The New York Times

The enchanting piece appears to be unique.

The New York Times - Arts

Lucas: It has to be unique.

The New Yorker

It's not about trying to be unique.

The New York Times

The plan, announced late last month, appears to be unique.

The New York Times

All produced printed images that longed to be unique objects.

The New York Times - Arts

"Our falafel is going to be unique," he said.

The New Yorker

"It kind of feels good to be unique," he said.

The New York Times

"The idea doesn't have to be unique," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

The United States does not appear to be unique.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for uniqueness, ensure it aligns with your overall objective and doesn't compromise clarity or effectiveness. Authenticity is key; forced uniqueness can appear contrived.

Common error

Avoid pursuing uniqueness at the expense of functionality or relevance. Sometimes, adapting proven strategies with slight modifications is more effective than attempting radical innovation that may not resonate with your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be unique" typically functions as an infinitive phrase used adjectivally or adverbially. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the desire to distinguish oneself or something from others. Examples show it modifying nouns or verbs to express the goal or quality of being singular.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be unique" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase that expresses the desire for individuality and differentiation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While striving for uniqueness is often encouraged, it's crucial to balance this pursuit with practicality and relevance. Alternatives such as "to be distinctive" or "to stand out" can offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Remember, authenticity is key, and forced uniqueness can sometimes detract from the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be one of a kind

Stresses the rarity and unmatched nature of something.

to be distinctive

Focuses on having identifiable and recognizable qualities that set something apart.

to be individual

Highlights the aspect of being different and separate from others.

to be original

Emphasizes the aspect of creating or being something new and unprecedented.

to be unparalleled

Highlights the lack of equal or comparable entities.

to be unmatched

Suggests a level of superiority and lack of competition.

to stand out

Highlights being noticeable or prominent among others.

to be different

Simply emphasizes a departure from the norm or standard.

to distinguish oneself

Focuses on the active effort to make oneself noticeable or different.

to be special

Suggests possessing extraordinary or exceptional qualities.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be unique" to describe the desire for individuality, like: "The artist strives "to be unique" in their approach to painting."

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

"To be unique" implies being the only one of its kind, while "to be different" simply means not being the same as others. Uniqueness is absolute, while difference is relative.

What are some alternatives to saying "to be unique"?

Alternatives include "to be distinctive", "to be original", or "to stand out" depending on the context.

Is it always good to strive "to be unique"?

While individuality is valuable, focusing solely on uniqueness can sometimes detract from practicality or effectiveness. It's important to balance the desire "to be unique" with other considerations such as clarity and functionality.