singular
B2Formal, Academic, Literary, Technical (Grammar, Mathematics)
Definition
Meaning
(1) Grammar: the form of a word that refers to one person or thing. (2) Being the only one of its kind; unique, remarkable, or extraordinary.
Can describe something that is unusual, strange, or striking in some way. In mathematics, a 'singular' point is one where a function is not well-behaved (e.g., not differentiable).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In grammar, it's a binary category paired with 'plural'. In its 'unique/remarkable' sense, it is a formal, often positive, evaluative adjective. It can sometimes carry a slightly archaic or literary tone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and grammar rules are identical.
Connotations
Slightly more common in formal British prose (e.g., 'a singular honour'). In both varieties, the 'remarkable' sense is formal.
Frequency
Comparatively low frequency in everyday speech for the 'remarkable' sense; high frequency in grammatical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] + singular + noun[have] + a singular + quality[verb] in the singularVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A singular lack of... (used to emphasize the notable absence of something, often ironically)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used in formal reports: 'The CEO showed a singular focus on market expansion.'
Academic
Common in linguistics (grammatical number) and mathematics (singularity). Also in humanities: 'a singular contribution to the field.'
Everyday
Primarily used in its grammatical sense. The 'remarkable' sense sounds formal or old-fashioned in casual conversation.
Technical
Core term in grammar (singular vs. plural). Key term in mathematics (singular point, singular value decomposition) and physics (singularity).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A – not a verb.
American English
- N/A – not a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A – the adverb is 'singularly', as in 'He was singularly unhelpful.'
American English
- N/A – the adverb is 'singularly', as in 'She is singularly focused on her goals.'
adjective
British English
- It was a singular honour to meet the Queen.
- He has a singular talent for mimicry.
American English
- She showed a singular dedication to the project.
- The event was of singular importance to the community.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- 'Cat' is singular, 'cats' is plural.
- The word 'child' is singular.
- In this sentence, the verb must be in the singular.
- It was a singular event that nobody forgot.
- The author's singular style makes her work instantly recognisable.
- Despite the chaos, she maintained a singular focus on her objectives.
- His singular lack of tact meant he was often excluded from delicate negotiations.
- The theorem breaks down at this singular point in the equation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SINGLE-ular' – it's about being single/one (grammar) or single/one of a kind (unique).
Conceptual Metaphor
UNIQUENESS IS BEING ALONE (the one and only).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'сингулярный' (highly technical/mathematical). For 'unique/remarkable', Russian might use 'единственный' (which primarily means 'the only one') or 'особенный'. The grammatical term is 'единственное число'.
Common Mistakes
- Using a plural verb with a grammatically singular subject (e.g., 'The news are good' – incorrect; 'The news is good' – correct). Confusing 'singular' (unique) with 'single' (unmarried or one in number).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'singular' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Single' means one in number or unmarried. 'Singular' primarily means unique/remarkable or refers to the grammatical form for one.
Yes, in phrases like 'a singular lack of...' it is often used ironically to criticise. It can also mean 'strange' or 'odd' in a literary context.
It has two main opposites: 1) In grammar: 'plural'. 2) For the 'unique' meaning: 'common', 'ordinary', 'typical'.
It depends on dialect and emphasis. In British English, collective nouns (team, government) can take singular or plural verbs depending on whether you see the group as a unit (singular) or as individuals (plural). American English strongly prefers the singular verb.
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