individuals
individuals — noun
- individualssingular
- individualsesplural
1. A single person, thought of separately from the larger group that they belong to
A single person, thought of separately from the larger group that they belong to.
The new law protects the rights of every individual, not just large companies.
every + individual for emphasis
Each individual in the class received a different set of questions to answer.
Meera is a generous individual who always helps her neighbours with their shopping.
The charity provides support to individuals and families affected by the flood.
- person
more general and everyday; 'individual' sounds more formal
- human being
emphasises biological humanity; less common in everyday speech
文法句型
individual + verb (singular/plural)
each individual
as an individual
用法筆記
Often used in formal or legal contexts to emphasise that the focus is on a single person rather than a group.
常見錯誤
2. A person who has a strong character and does not simply follow what other people
A person who has a strong character and does not simply follow what other people do.
Luca has always been a bit of an individual — he paints his own clothes and speaks his mind.
a bit of an individual for modest originality
The art school attracts individuals who want to express themselves in their own way.
Cyrus is a real individual; he refuses to wear a suit even at formal events.
Adina's friends expected her to join the family business, but she is an individual who follows her own path.
- nonconformist
stronger, often implies going against social rules intentionally
- freethinker
focuses on independent thought rather than behaviour
- original
noun form; more informal ('He is a real original.')
- follower
someone who copies others rather than thinking for themselves
- conformist
someone who follows social norms and expectations
文法句型
be (a bit of) an individual
a real individual
用法筆記
Often preceded by 'a bit of a', 'something of a', or 'a real' to express the degree of originality. Can have a positive or mildly negative tone depending on context.
常見錯誤
individuals — adjective
- individualspositive
- more individualscomparative
- most individualssuperlative
1. Existing or thought of as a single separate item, not as part of a group.
Existing or thought of as a single separate item, not as part of a group.
The teacher gave individual feedback to every student in the class.
individual + feedback for personalised treatment
We examined the individual pieces of the puzzle before putting them together.
individual + noun: items examined separately
The report looks at the individual costs of each project rather than the total budget.
Individual flowers can be removed from the stem without damaging the whole plant.
- collective
relating to all members of a group as a whole
- joint
shared by two or more people
文法句型
individual + noun
each individual + noun
用法筆記
Used before a noun to emphasise that each item in a group is considered on its own, not together.
常見錯誤
2. Made for, or connected with, one particular person rather than a group.
Made for, or connected with, one particular person rather than a group.
The hotel rooms all have individual bathrooms and air conditioning units.
individual + room/bathroom for private facilities
Each athlete follows an individual training programme designed by their coach.
Employees have individual lockers where they can store their belongings safely.
Hui requested an individual meeting with the manager to discuss her career plan.
文法句型
individual + noun
用法筆記
Always before a noun (attributive only). Describes something that is designed or intended for one person, not shared.
常見錯誤
3. Typical of a particular person or thing, showing what makes them different from
Typical of a particular person or thing, showing what makes them different from others.
Antonia has a very individual way of singing that her fans love.
individual + noun for distinguishing quality
Every house on the street has its own individual character and charm.
The chef added her individual touch to the traditional recipe using local spices.
Ayana's individual approach to teaching helps each child learn at their own speed.
- distinctive
similar meaning; more commonly used for visual or audible qualities
- unique
stronger; means one of a kind, while 'individual' means recognisably personal
- characteristic
more neutral; simply describes a typical feature
文法句型
individual + noun (style/character/touch)
用法筆記
Often used with nouns like 'style', 'character', 'touch', 'way', or 'approach' to describe something that expresses a person's unique personality.