unique appearing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unique appearing" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to describe something that has a distinctive or unusual appearance, but it is better to use a more conventional phrasing. Example: "The flower has a unique appearing shape that sets it apart from others in the garden."

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most complexes that previously were considered unique appeared to be members of large complex families, as other proteins from the same family could replace core subunits of the complex.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Fig. 2 Unique data appearing in R are kept in the header file allowing key recovery.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The unique element appearing in (2.4) is called theabstract form of in.

Advances in Difference Equations

Superlatives like "Best Mom" and "Unique Mom" appear on many cards although, grammatically speaking, only one best or unique mother in the world could qualify for this distinction.

The New York Times

The discovery process of unique proteins appears to be sub-linear, which is analogous to Heap's law, which states that the number of unique words increases sub-linearly with the length of text (Fig.  1e-f).

BMC Systems Biology

Clones of these customized, presumably unique forms appear on a second computer.

The New York Times - Arts

This unique nanostructure appears to facilitate the rapid transfer of lithium ions and a very large ion adsorption.

Electrochimica Acta

The tight paintings feature goggled individuals careening toward the picture plane; the hand-carved snowflakes are (of course) unique but appear meltingly indistinct.

The New Yorker

The AP then reached out to three drug companies whose unique labels appeared to match the photos when compared to records from the US Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health.

The Guardian

The further back we place ourselves in the Paleolithic, the busier the place seems to get and the less unique we appear to have been.

The New Yorker

Some meteorites contain microscopic crystals whose isotopic proportions are unique and appear to be dust grains that formed in the atmospheres of different stars.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something with a distinctive look, consider using more common and readily understood phrases like "distinctive appearance" or "unusual look" instead of "unique appearing" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "unique appearing" repeatedly in formal contexts. While grammatically sound, it can sound awkward or less professional than alternatives. Vary your descriptive language to maintain reader engagement and showcase stronger vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unique appearing" functions primarily as a descriptive modifier, indicating that something has a distinctive and uncommon visual quality. While Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is non-standard, it still serves to characterize the subject's appearance.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically correct, the phrase "unique appearing" is considered non-standard and less common than alternatives like "distinctive appearance" or "unusual look". Ludwig AI highlights this, advising consideration of context and audience when choosing this phrase. It's most suitable for descriptions where both uniqueness and visual presentation are important, but caution is advised in formal writing. Consider alternatives for clearer and more impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinctive look

Replaces "unique appearing" with a more common and straightforward expression for a notable appearance.

unusual appearance

Substitutes "unique" with "unusual", focusing on the uncommon aspect of the appearance.

peculiar aspect

Emphasizes the odd or strange quality of the appearance, rather than its uniqueness.

remarkable facade

Highlights the striking or noteworthy front view or external appearance.

singular aspect

Focuses on the one-of-a-kind nature of the appearance, stressing its individuality.

rare visage

Implies that the appearance is not only unique but also infrequently seen.

atypical form

Indicates that the appearance deviates from the standard or norm.

novel guise

Suggests the appearance is new or innovative.

uncommon mien

This focuses on the appearance as it relates to a person's demeanor or bearing.

extraordinary presence

This emphasizes the impact and impressiveness of the appearance.

FAQs

What's a more common way to say "unique appearing"?

Alternatives include "distinctive appearance", "unusual look", or "remarkable facade". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of the appearance you want to emphasize.

Is "unique appearing" grammatically correct?

Yes, it's grammatically sound but considered non-standard. It may come across as slightly awkward compared to more conventional phrases like "distinctive appearance".

When is it appropriate to use "unique appearing"?

It's suitable when you want to stress both the uniqueness and the visual aspect of something, but be mindful of your audience and context. In formal writing, "distinctive look" or "unusual appearance" might be preferable.

How does "unique appearing" differ from "unusual appearance"?

"Unique appearing" specifically combines the concepts of uniqueness and visual presentation. "Unusual appearance" focuses more on the deviation from the norm in terms of how something looks. The nuance lies in whether the emphasis is on 'one-of-a-kind' versus 'not typical'.