unique to someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unique to someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is distinctive or specific to an individual. Example: "The talent for painting was unique to her, setting her apart from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It had nothing to do with lab work, and everything to do with the problem-solving skills unique to someone who has created an entire industry.

Forbes

I don't think that's unique to someone like me.

Vice

However, this model is deeply flawed in that it seems unique to someone with Booker's magnetism.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is suggested to give this unique item to someone who is "not indifferent to contemporary history and politics," which is sound advice.

TechCrunch

But there's a special intimacy unique to simply talking to someone, and early YouTuber Brent Hurley wants to bring it back with SayMore.

TechCrunch

And I'm in a unique position to add hits to someone, or take them away".

The New Yorker

A spokesman explained: "With the US election and the economic crisis, it is a good time to listen to someone with such a unique insight".

The Guardian - Opinion

You don't have to shop at expensive stores, but try not to shop where everyone else does, otherwise they'll have your clothes, and it's hard to be unique, when someone else is wearing the same clothes you are.

WikiHow

But the idea of applying a software algorithm to determine something as unique as someone's personal style might seem anathema to dyed-in-the-wool fashion lovers.

The New York Times - Tech

It's really frustrating when I've taken the time to create something unique and someone else has taken my ideas and called them their own.

Huffington Post

"I felt like I had found a unique way to help someone who needed help badly, not like just writing a check".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unique to someone", ensure the context clearly establishes the individual being referenced. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "unique to someone" when describing traits or abilities that are common or shared among many people. This diminishes the impact of the phrase and makes it less meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unique to someone" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by specifying that a quality or characteristic is exclusive or particular to an individual. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unique to someone" is a grammatically sound and contextually appropriate way to describe a characteristic or quality that is exclusive to a particular individual. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is typically used in news and media contexts. While not highly frequent, its correct usage can effectively highlight individual distinctiveness. Remember to ensure that the characteristic you're describing is genuinely distinctive to the individual you are referencing to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinctive to someone

Replaces "unique" with "distinctive", focusing on the characteristic that sets someone apart.

specific to someone

Emphasizes that something is particular or exclusive to an individual.

peculiar to someone

Highlights the unusual or odd nature of something being associated with someone.

exclusive to someone

Indicates that something is only available to or characteristic of a particular person.

inherent in someone

Focuses on qualities or characteristics that are naturally part of a person.

characteristic of someone

Highlights a trait or feature that is typical of someone.

typical of someone

Indicates that something is representative or common for a particular person.

belonging solely to someone

Emphasizes ownership or association of something with a single individual.

solely attributable to someone

Highlights that something can only be credited or linked to a specific person.

uncommon in someone else

Highlights the special characteristic when compared to other people

FAQs

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

Use "unique to someone" to describe a trait, skill, or characteristic that is distinctly associated with a particular person. For example, "The talent for problem-solving was "unique to someone" who has created an entire industry".

What phrases are similar to "unique to someone"?

Similar phrases include "distinctive to someone", "specific to someone", or "peculiar to someone", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "unique to someone"?

Yes, the phrase "unique to someone" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate that something is specific or exclusive to an individual.

What's the difference between "unique to someone" and "unique for someone"?

"Unique to someone" implies exclusivity or inherent association, while "unique for someone" suggests something is unusual or special in the context of that person's circumstances. The phrase "unique to someone" is more appropriate when highlighting a distinctive quality.