unusual individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unusual individual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person who stands out due to their unique characteristics or behaviors. Example: "In a world full of conformity, she was an unusual individual who embraced her quirks and differences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But then, Blair is an unusual individual.

The New York Times - Sports

He treats their unusual individual histories as morality tales.

The Guardian - Books

I'm grateful I had such an unusual individual for a grandmother.

The New York Times

It's doubtful that he plays this week, but it takes a very unusual individual to have that streak".

The New York Times - Sports

"One sunny day, I was walking along the Arbat when I saw an unusual individual," recalled the late pianist Svyatoslav Richter.

The Guardian - Music

But as a new book by his former coach, Hank Haney, makes clear, Tiger is a very unusual individual: almost entirely self-centered, incredibly focussed, and largely oblivious to his surroundings, other people included.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It is clearly the work of two unusual individuals who love these sounds, even the desperately unfashionable ones that have so far eluded revival even in this retro-maniac era – and their love makes me love them, too.

The Guardian - Music

There was nobody at the Thomas Hope exhibition when I dropped in at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London last Sunday: a shame, since the show, though not large, is very carefully researched, and the subject was one of the more unusual individuals in the history of architecture and interior design.

The Guardian - Books

Unusual individuals such as Ms Bausch have, moreover, laid down aesthetics for an art form which, in this large, culturally often fractious country, has always lacked a centre.Time to be vigilantIn recent years, however, critics have been lamenting a tendency in Ms Bausch to repeat herself: a waning of inspiration.

The Economist

Here, we speak to these highly unusual individuals about what they do for a living.

Vice

The actress added that Jaime and Brienne's sexual history -- incestuous and non-existant, respectively -- makes them "two highly unusual individuals".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unusual individual" when you want to highlight that someone deviates from the norm in an interesting or notable way. Ensure the context makes clear what aspects of the person are unusual.

Common error

Avoid using "unusual individual" as a generic compliment without specifying what makes the person unusual. Provide concrete examples to give the description substance and prevent it from sounding empty or cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusual individual" functions primarily as a descriptive term, specifically as an adjective-noun combination. It is used to characterize a person who possesses traits or qualities that are not commonly observed in the general population. As Ludwig AI points out, it is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unusual individual" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood way to describe someone who stands out from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While its frequency is classified as "uncommon", it appears consistently across diverse contexts like News & Media and Science. The phrase serves to highlight someone's distinctiveness, whether admirable or simply noteworthy. Related terms like "unique person" or "eccentric character" offer alternative shades of meaning. When using "unusual individual", it's best to specify what makes the person unusual rather than using it as a vague compliment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unique person

Focuses on the distinctiveness and singularity of the individual.

eccentric character

Highlights unconventional and slightly odd traits.

remarkable individual

Emphasizes noteworthy qualities and achievements.

exceptional person

Stresses outstanding abilities or qualities.

atypical person

Highlights deviation from the norm or typical characteristics.

singular individual

Focuses on the unique and unmatched nature of the person.

distinctive personality

Emphasizes a recognizable and unique character.

nonconformist

Highlights resistance to social norms and expectations.

rare bird

Informal way to describe someone who is unique and special.

original character

Emphasizes the inventiveness and unimitated nature of the individual.

FAQs

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

You can use "unusual individual" to describe someone who stands out from the crowd due to their unique traits, behaviors, or characteristics. For example, "She was an "unusual individual" who always challenged conventional thinking."

What are some alternatives to "unusual individual"?

Some alternatives include "unique person", "eccentric character", or "remarkable individual" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "unusual person" or "unusual individual"?

"Unusual person" and "unusual individual" are largely interchangeable, but "unusual individual" can sound slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What makes "unusual individual" different from "average person"?

"Unusual individual" describes someone who deviates from the norm, while "average person" refers to someone who embodies typical traits and behaviors. An "unusual individual" possesses characteristics that set them apart, whereas the average person aligns with common societal standards.