unique to something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unique to something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular characteristic or feature is exclusive or specific to a certain item, group, or situation. Example: "The design of this building is unique to the architectural style of the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"People understood that this was the beginning of what could be a real change in the river's character, from something unique to something generic, indistinguishable from the other places along the shoreline," said James S. McKay, a public defender for the state who lives with his wife and children on Ridge Road in Chester.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Most researchers regard language as unique to humans, something that makes our species special.

Science Magazine

Each firm or designer must contribute something unique to their clients, something only they can provide.

Huffington Post

"We wanted to do something unique to launch the resort collection this year – something we had never done before," said Mark Badgley of Badgley Mischka.

The New York Times

"My ancestors created something unique to history.

The New York Times

"Bring something unique to the table," she says.

The Guardian

"We do believe we bring something unique to the table.

The Guardian

Each volunteer brings something unique to the effort.

The New York Times

"Everyone wants something unique to wear on their heads".

The New York Times

We created those nine zones to offer consumers something unique to take away.

The Guardian

The ability to rebel and conform simultaneously is something unique to Chinese youth.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unique to something" to emphasize that a particular quality or characteristic is found only in a specific context or entity, differentiating it from others. This is useful when highlighting exclusive features or properties.

Common error

Avoid using "unique to something" when you merely want to state that something is better. "Unique" indicates singularity, not necessarily higher quality. Focus on specific attributes and measurable differences instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unique to something" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by specifying that a certain characteristic or attribute is exclusive to it. Ludwig AI validates this usage with examples from diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unique to something" is a versatile expression used to emphasize the exclusivity of a characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and applicability across varied contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. When employing this phrase, remember its singular nature to avoid redundancy, and ensure that it accurately reflects the one-of-a-kind attribute you intend to convey. Alternatives like "exclusive to something" and "specific to something" can provide nuanced substitutes depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusive to something

Replaces "unique" with "exclusive", emphasizing the limited availability or applicability.

distinctive to something

Substitutes "unique" with "distinctive", highlighting particular characteristics that set it apart.

specific to something

Highlights that something is particularly related or applied to something else, replacing "unique".

peculiar to something

Emphasizes the unusual or odd nature of being unique to something.

inherent in something

Indicates that the uniqueness is an essential or natural part of something.

intrinsic to something

Similar to "inherent", but stresses the internal and essential nature of the uniqueness.

characteristic of something

Focuses on the qualities that define or distinguish something.

belonging solely to something

Replaces "unique" with a phrase that emphasizes exclusive ownership or association.

limited to something

Emphasizes the restriction or confinement of something to a particular scope.

germane to something

Indicates relevance or appropriateness specifically to something else.

FAQs

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

Use "unique to something" to describe a quality that is exclusively associated with a particular thing. For example, "This architectural style is "unique to the region"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "unique to something"?

You can use alternatives such as "exclusive to something", "specific to something", or "distinctive to something" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'very unique to something'?

Since "unique" already means one of a kind, adding "very" is redundant. It's better to simply state that something is "unique to something".

What's the difference between "unique to something" and "common in something"?

"Unique to something" suggests that a trait is only found in that specific thing, while "common in something" suggests that a trait is frequently observed within that thing, but may also exist elsewhere.