unique individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unique individual" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is distinct and one-of-a-kind. For example, "John is a truly unique individual; you won't find another person like him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mo is a unique individual.

The New York Times - Sports

Jam Master Jay was a unique individual.

The New York Times

Tom was truly a unique individual.

Stanford University

Each node represents a unique individual.

Yale University

"Greg is in many ways a unique individual," he added.

The Guardian - Sport

Poetry shouldn't reveal the soul of a unique individual: there's no such thing as a unique individual.

The New Yorker

How do universal elements forge every unique, individual human life?

The New York Times - Books

Nick Serota is a unique individual... there is no one else like Nick".

The Guardian - Arts

She was truly a unique individual and words cannot describe how much she will be missed.

The New York Times

I would have to say, in terms of being a unique individual, yes.

The Guardian - Music

"Casey Martin is a unique individual, and his is a unique situation".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formal content, ensure that the context aligns with the elevated tone, such as in professional testimonials, academic papers, or official biographies. Be mindful to use supporting language to convey their specific character.

Common error

Be mindful of redundancy; while "unique individual" is acceptable, avoid phrases like "very unique individual" as uniqueness is an absolute quality. Instead, focus on describing what makes them distinct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unique individual" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unique" modifies the noun "individual". This phrase commonly serves to describe a person who possesses distinctive qualities or characteristics, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unique individual" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe someone with distinctive qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and suitable for various contexts. While alternatives like "distinct person" or "one-of-a-kind person" can be used for variety, it's crucial to avoid redundancy by not overemphasizing uniqueness (e.g., "very unique"). Predominantly found in news, academic, and science-related sources, "unique individual" effectively highlights a person's individuality and special attributes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one-of-a-kind person

Emphasizes the singularity and irreplaceability of the individual.

unusual individual

Replaces "unique" with "unusual", suggesting uncommonness.

distinct person

Uses "distinct" to highlight separateness and individuality.

singular figure

Highlights the individual's prominence and uniqueness.

special person

Highlights the exceptional qualities of the individual.

extraordinary being

Emphasizes the individual's remarkable nature.

peculiar character

Indicates someone with odd or eccentric traits.

remarkable soul

Focuses on the individual's inner qualities and impact.

rare bird

An idiomatic expression for someone unusual.

exceptional case

Shifts the focus to the rarity and deviation from the norm.

FAQs

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

You can use "unique individual" to describe someone who has distinctive qualities that set them apart from others. For example, "She is a "unique individual" whose creativity knows no bounds."

What are some alternatives to "unique individual"?

Alternatives to "unique individual" include phrases like "distinct person", "one-of-a-kind person", or "unusual individual", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "unique individual"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "unique individual". The phrase is widely accepted and used in various contexts to describe someone with distinct characteristics.

What's the difference between "unique individual" and "special person"?

"Unique individual" emphasizes distinctiveness and being unlike others, while "special person" highlights exceptional qualities or importance. The former focuses on singularity, the latter on value or significance.