unique circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unique circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is one-of-a-kind or not typical, often highlighting its distinctiveness. Example: "Due to the unique circumstance of the pandemic, we had to adapt our business model to survive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Administration officials disagreed, stressing: "This was a unique circumstance".

The Guardian

"I was approached toward the end of my hunt with a unique circumstance.

Independent

And the reason is because this is a very unique circumstance.

The New York Times

Having the long-absent founder taking a financial interest "is certainly a unique circumstance," said Vivian Brooks, a spokeswoman for the company.

The New York Times

That is the unique circumstance that will linger in the minds of Americans whenever they contemplate this gross misuse of a solemn presidential responsibility.

The New York Times

The repeal could give broad latitude to the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission to fashion remedies that would suit the unique circumstance of each market.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"This happened eight years ago under unique circumstances".

The New York Times

So it could produce unique circumstances this year".

The New York Times

"These are unique circumstances," he said.

The New York Times

"We are dealing here with exceptional and probably unique circumstances.

The Guardian

The challenge is to maintain unity in these unique circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unique circumstance", ensure the context clearly explains why the situation is considered distinct or exceptional. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

Common error

Avoid labeling a situation as a "unique circumstance" if it shares similarities with other common scenarios. Ensure genuine distinctiveness before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unique circumstance" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "unique" modifies the noun "circumstance". Ludwig AI examples show it often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unique circumstance" is a versatile term used to describe situations that deviate from the norm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal writing. Alternatives such as "special situation" or "distinct scenario" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. However, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring the situation genuinely warrants the label of "unique" to avoid diluting its impact. In essence, understanding its application and potential alternatives will enhance your writing's precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

special situation

Focuses on the exceptional nature of the situation.

distinct situation

Highlights the clear differences from typical situations.

exceptional situation

Emphasizes the rarity and deviation from the norm.

particular situation

Draws attention to the specific details of the scenario.

specific scenario

Highlights a detailed and individual sequence of events.

uncommon case

Underscores the infrequency and singularity of the matter.

isolated incident

Emphasizes the separation and disconnection from other events.

rare event

Focuses on the low frequency and unusual nature of the occurrence.

atypical case

Highlights the deviation from the standard or typical.

singular instance

Underlines the unmatched and individual nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "unique circumstance" in a sentence?

You can use "unique circumstance" to describe a situation that differs from the norm. For example, "Due to the "unique circumstance" of the pandemic, we had to adapt our business model."

What's a good alternative to "unique circumstance"?

Alternatives include "special situation", "distinct scenario", or "exceptional case". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it redundant to say "very unique circumstance"?

Yes, "unique" already implies one-of-a-kind, so adding "very" is redundant. Simply use ""unique circumstance"".

What is the difference between "unique circumstance" and "unusual circumstance"?

"Unique circumstance" implies a one-of-a-kind situation, while "unusual circumstance" simply means it's not common. "Unique" is a stronger statement of singularity.