singular

singular — adjective

1. Relating to a word form that points to just a single person, object, or idea — a

1.形容詞A2
釋義

Relating to a word form that points to just a single person, object, or idea — as opposed to two or more.

例句

The word 'child' is a singular noun, while 'children' is its plural form.

singular vs plural noun forms

Wei asked the teacher whether 'sheep' has the same form in both singular and plural.

同義詞
  • single

    more general; 'single' can mean 'unmarried' or 'alone', while 'singular' in this sense is purely grammatical

  • one

    used for counting, not as a grammatical label

反義詞
  • plural

    the grammatical form for two or more items

文法句型

singular + noun

用法筆記

Frequently placed before grammar terms like 'noun', 'form', or 'verb'. The phrase 'in the singular' is used as an adverbial — for example, 'Write the word in the singular.'

常見錯誤

❌The word cats is a singular noun.
✅The word cats is a plural noun.
💡'Singular' refers to one item; 'plural' refers to two or more.
❌Cat's is the singular of cats.
✅Cat is the singular of cats.
💡The possessive form with an apostrophe is different from the simple singular form.

2. Much better or more impressive than what is usual; remarkably good in quality or

2.形容詞B2
釋義

Much better or more impressive than what is usual; remarkably good in quality or standard.

例句

Valentina gave a singular performance that earned her a standing ovation from the crowd.

singular + performance / contribution / talent

The research team made a singular contribution to cancer treatment that saved many lives.

同義詞
  • exceptional

    more common and slightly less formal; broader range of uses

  • outstanding

    emphasises visible excellence, often used for work or service

  • remarkable

    focuses on the fact that something is worth noticing or talking about

  • unique

    stresses being the only one of its kind; stronger and less flexible

反義詞
  • ordinary

    not special or remarkable in any way

  • mediocre

    of only average or below-average quality

文法句型

singular + abstract noun

用法筆記

Typically paired with abstract nouns like 'achievement', 'talent', 'contribution', or 'beauty'. Carries a more literary tone than 'great' or 'amazing'; use it when you want to stress that something stands out as unmatched.

常見錯誤

❌I ate a singular sandwich for lunch.' (casual context)
✅I ate a single sandwich for lunch.
💡'Singular' in the 'exceptional' sense does not mean 'one in number'; use 'single' for quantity.

3. Unusual in a way that feels surprising or difficult to explain; odd or peculiar.

3.形容詞B2
釋義

Unusual in a way that feels surprising or difficult to explain; odd or peculiar.

例句

Eli picked up a singular seashell unlike any he had seen before.

singular + object / smell / pattern

There was a singular smell coming from the old shed behind Pim's house.

同義詞
  • strange

    more common and less formal; covers a wider range of oddness

  • odd

    slightly informal; suggests something mildly unusual or unexpected

  • peculiar

    similar register to 'singular'; emphasises distinctiveness from the norm

  • curious

    suggests something that arouses interest or puzzlement

反義詞
  • normal

    conforming to what is expected or usual

  • ordinary

    not remarkable or unusual in any way

文法句型

singular + noun

用法筆記

Describes something that sparks curiosity or mild unease rather than strong alarm. More literary than 'strange' or 'weird'; common in written narratives and descriptions.

常見錯誤

❌He gave me a singular look when I arrived late.' (when 'strange' would be more natural)
✅He gave me a strange look when I arrived late.
💡In everyday speech, 'strange' or 'odd' is preferred over 'singular'.

4. Relating to one specific person, thing, or case considered on its own, rather th

4.形容詞B1
釋義

Relating to one specific person, thing, or case considered on its own, rather than together with others.

例句

Every singular item on the list must be checked before the shipment leaves the warehouse.

each/every singular + noun

The teacher evaluated each singular answer separately before giving a final grade.

同義詞
  • single

    more common and less formal; used for simple quantity

  • individual

    emphasises separateness and distinct identity

  • separate

    stresses that something is not joined or combined with others

反義詞

文法句型

each / every + singular + noun

用法筆記

Often appears after 'each' or 'every' to stress that items are being looked at one by one. In everyday English, 'single' or 'individual' is more natural; 'singular' in this sense has a formal, slightly bureaucratic tone.

常見錯誤

❌A singular person walked into the room.' (when meaning 'one person')
✅A single person walked into the room.
💡For simple quantity, use 'single' rather than 'singular'.
❌She gave a singular reason for leaving.' (when meaning 'only one reason')
✅She gave a single reason for leaving.
💡Use 'single' for 'one in number'; reserve 'singular' for the more formal 'individual' sense.

singular — noun