Specific individuals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Specific individuals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to particular people in a context where their identity is important or relevant. Example: "The report focuses on specific individuals who contributed to the project’s success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was attacking specific individuals".

The Guardian

Likenesses of specific individuals share gallery space with mythological and fanciful characters.

The New York Times

These decisions are taken by specific individuals in councils, and were until now, without scrutiny.

The Guardian - Opinion

SafeStart could allow them to direct some of their giving to specific individuals.

The New York Times

However, it does not obtain information that relates back to specific individuals.

The Guardian - Tech

But what about more nefarious bodies who are interested in specific individuals?

The Guardian

Other Cairo residents have backed up Nader's theory that the searches are not targeting specific individuals.

The Guardian

It is not NATO policy to target specific individuals".

The New York Times

The latter was, they said, "less overt, far more subtle, less identifiable in terms of specific individuals committing the acts.

The Guardian

Senior corporation sources said that it was likely that the inquiry would criticise internal procedures, rather than specific individuals.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

These incidents are most meaningful within their specific, individual contexts.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specific individuals", ensure that the context clearly indicates why their specific identities are relevant to the discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "specific individuals" when a more general term like "people" or "persons" would be adequate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific individuals" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or subject of a sentence. It identifies particular persons as opposed to a general group. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specific individuals" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote particular, identifiable people. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. While versatile, it's essential to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse where general terms suffice. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular persons

Replaces "individuals" with "persons", emphasizing the distinctness of the people being referred to.

certain people

Substitutes "specific" with "certain", indicating a defined but perhaps not explicitly named group.

named individuals

Highlights that the individuals have been identified by name.

identified persons

Focuses on the act of recognizing or pointing out the individuals.

designated individuals

Implies that the individuals have been chosen or appointed for a specific purpose.

select individuals

Suggests a careful choice or selection of the individuals from a larger group.

individual entities

Replaces "individuals" with the more formal "entities", suitable for legal or business contexts.

defined individuals

Emphasizes the clarity and precision with which the individuals are delineated.

explicit individuals

Highlights that the individuals are clearly and openly specified.

precise individuals

Underscores the accuracy and exactness in identifying the individuals.

FAQs

How can I use "specific individuals" in a sentence?

Use "specific individuals" when you need to emphasize that you are referring to particular, identifiable people rather than a general group. For example, "The investigation focused on "specific individuals" involved in the fraud."

What are some alternatives to "specific individuals"?

You can use alternatives such as "particular persons", "certain people", or "named individuals" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "specific individuals" or "certain individuals"?

Both "specific individuals" and "certain individuals" are grammatically correct, but "specific" implies a greater degree of detail and identifiability. Choose the phrase that best fits the context and the level of precision you want to convey.

What is the difference between "specific individuals" and "individual entities"?

"Individual entities" is more formal and often used in legal or business contexts to refer to distinct, identifiable entities, which may or may not be people. "Specific individuals" is generally used only when referring to people.