a specific

USAGE SUMMARY

"a specific" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer specifically to a certain item or idea. For example, "We had to look through all the details to find a specific answer to our question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Not a specific person.

The New Yorker

It's not a specific thing.

The New York Times

You had a specific word".

The New Yorker

It's a specific area.

The New York Times

Consider a specific example.

The Guardian

It's a specific reality.

The New York Times

A specific gender strategy.

The Guardian

We're piloting a specific medicine for a specific disease".

The New York Times

There was a specific sense of obligation.

The Guardian

The slippage is a specific thing.

The New York Times - Books

Consider a specific tender.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, follow "a specific" noun with relevant details that remove any ambiguity from the text.

Common error

Be mindful of redundancy; using "a specific" alongside words that already imply specificity (e.g., "exact details") can make the writing verbose. Choose clarity over repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific" functions as a determiner followed by an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a particular or definite instance. This clarifies that the noun being described is not general or ambiguous, but rather has distinct characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its proper and varied usage across many sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

28%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a particular instance or detail. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across varied contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing, enhancing clarity and precision. While frequently encountered in News & Media, Wiki, and Science, it's important to avoid redundancy by using it judiciously in conjunction with inherently specific terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular

Replaces "specific" with a synonym emphasizing individuality within a larger group.

a certain

Suggests something definite but may not be explicitly named or known.

a precise

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness.

a defined

Highlights that something has clear boundaries or characteristics.

a distinct

Emphasizes the uniqueness and recognizability of something.

a designated

Indicates something has been officially chosen or assigned.

a tailored

Implies something has been customized for a particular purpose.

a selective

Highlights that something is chosen from a larger set.

a detailed

Emphasizes thoroughness and comprehensiveness.

an exact

Focuses on precision and conformity to a standard.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific" to point out a particular item, detail, or instance. For example, "I need "a specific example" to illustrate my point."

What are some alternatives to "a specific"?

You can use alternatives like "a particular", "a certain", or "a precise" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a specific" and "a particular"?

While "a specific" and "a particular" are often interchangeable, "a specific" emphasizes exactness, whereas "a particular" highlights individuality or distinction within a broader category.

Can "a specific" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a specific" is appropriate for formal writing. It is clear and concise, suitable for conveying precise information in academic, professional, and technical contexts.