unique distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unique distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight a specific and notable feature or quality that sets someone or something apart from others. Example: "Her unique distinction as the youngest recipient of the award made her the center of attention at the ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It will be a unique distinction, and for free.

The New Yorker

What choreographer enjoys the unique distinction of having been a prima ballerina?

The New Yorker

He has attained the unique distinction of being the cheer leader, on the football team, etc.

The New Yorker

The Horsemen have the unique distinction of being the only non-Baku club to win the league.

The Guardian - Sport

"Pirzada has the unique distinction of having been a willing partner in each one of the four military regimes".

The New York Times

The land also has a unique distinction for Florida: It has never been hit by a hurricane.

The New York Times

Alexandria has the unique distinction of being designated an independent city (without county affiliation) by an act of Congress (1852).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sixth player, Kitty Munson Cooper, was winning the title for the third time and has the unique distinction of having won with each of her two husbands.

The New York Times - Arts

By the time he died, in 2004, at the age of eighty-seven, FSG had, without losing its unique distinction, been transformed.

The New Yorker

In that moment he could claim the possibly unique distinction of uniting anti-abortion and pro-choice groups in joint condemnation.

The Guardian

You'll hear a piano part of mind-bending complexity, which has the unique distinction, as far as I'm aware, of having a separate stave for each finger.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for formal tone, using "unique distinction" shows careful consideration of the subject and its place amongst similar things.

Common error

Avoid phrases like "very unique distinction" because "unique" already implies the highest degree of distinctiveness. Using "very" is redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unique distinction" functions as a noun phrase, where "unique" modifies the noun "distinction". It is used to attribute a special and exclusive quality to a subject, as highlighted by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

14%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unique distinction" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a special and exclusive attribute that sets something apart. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English and serves to highlight notable features. It frequently appears in news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its suitability for both formal and general usage. To enhance clarity and avoid redundancy, it's best to avoid phrases like "very unique distinction", as the term "unique" already implies the highest degree of distinctiveness. Consider alternatives such as "singular honor" or "special attribute" to diversify your writing while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

singular honor

Emphasizes the honor associated with being unique.

special attribute

Focuses on a particular quality that is notable.

unparalleled quality

Highlights the unmatched nature of the quality.

distinctive feature

Points out a characteristic that differentiates something.

exclusive trait

Indicates a trait possessed only by one entity.

remarkable characteristic

Highlights a particularly noticeable characteristic.

exceptional attribute

Suggests an attribute that is beyond the ordinary.

notable aspect

Focuses on an aspect worthy of attention.

defining characteristic

Highlights a characteristic that is essential to the identity.

hallmark trait

Indicates a trait that is a typical or notable characteristic.

FAQs

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

You can use "unique distinction" to emphasize a particular attribute that sets something apart. For example, "The museum has the "unique distinction" of being the first public-funded art museum in the country."

What are some alternatives to "unique distinction"?

Some alternatives to "unique distinction" include "singular honor", "special attribute", or "distinctive feature" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "very unique distinction"?

No, it is not correct to say "very unique distinction". The word "unique" already means one of a kind, so adding "very" is redundant.

What is the difference between "unique distinction" and "special characteristic"?

While both phrases highlight a notable feature, "unique distinction" implies that the feature is exclusive to the subject, whereas "special characteristic" simply means the feature is notable or important but not necessarily exclusive.