a specific bill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific bill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular piece of legislation or proposed law that is distinct from others. Example: "The committee will review a specific bill aimed at improving public transportation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Unless your petition, phone call or email to Congress is for or against a specific bill - and even more specifically: unless you're in the district of a valuable vote or committee chair for that bill - then your congressperson really can't do much for you at all.

Huffington Post

Lack of a specific bill.

The New York Times

"We're turning a page here, where a specific bill will be easier to target".

The New York Times

Said person would then have to get the state legislature to pass a specific bill allowing them to vote.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Bush's spokesman, Scott McClellan, repeatedly refused to say in the daily press briefing whether the president would propose a specific bill.

The New York Times

I decide to conduct an experiment: using the Commons site, I will attempt to identify my MP, how she voted on a specific bill and the contents of that bill.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Operator Interest Networks (OINs) that are deployed by major private operators, following a specific billing scheme for service provision.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Outdated regulations and billing systems make it harder for insurers to find ways to support programs that are not directly delivered by doctors and licensed medical providers or that help support the health of an entire neighborhood rather than focusing on a specific individual who is tied to a specific billing code.

Huffington Post

A specific billing code for performing an endoscopy via a stoma does not exist.

BMC Cancer

41 80 Importantly, a considerable number of studies were performed in the USA, with a specific billing and quality evaluation system; hence, some quality metrics and coding systems may not be applicable to other countries.

BMJ Open

The White House, while outlining some TSCA reform principles, hasn't endorsed any specific bill.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legislation, reference "a specific bill" by its official name or number to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity for your audience. This practice adds credibility to your writing and makes it easier for readers to find more information.

Common error

Avoid referring to broad legislative areas without pointing to "a specific bill". Overgeneralization can lead to misinterpretations and weaken the impact of your argument. Always aim for precision by naming the act or the bill number to provide context and allow your audience to investigate further.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific bill" functions as a noun phrase, acting as an object or subject in a sentence. It identifies a particular piece of legislation, distinguishing it from general or unspecified laws. Examples from Ludwig show how it's used to discuss proposed laws or policies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a specific bill" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a particular legislative proposal. As Ludwig highlights, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, scientific research, and general discussions. While versatile, it's important to maintain clarity by referencing the official name or number of the bill whenever possible. To enhance precision and impact in writing, consider alternatives like "a particular piece of legislation" or "a designated bill", but always be mindful of the specific nuances each conveys.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular piece of legislation

Emphasizes the individuality and distinct nature of the legislative item.

a designated bill

Highlights that the bill has been officially chosen or assigned for a certain purpose.

a concrete legislative proposal

Replaces "bill" with a fuller more descriptive title of the legislative item.

a precise bill

Focuses on the accuracy and detailed nature of the bill's content.

a targeted piece of legislation

Implies the bill is aimed at addressing a particular issue or demographic.

a distinct legislative item

Underscores the bill's separateness from other legislative efforts.

a defined bill

Focuses on clarity and the well-established nature of the bill.

a certain proposed law

Uses a more descriptive and cautious tone.

an individual bill

Highlights its standalone existence.

a clear legislative act

Emphasizes the comprehensibility and official status of the document.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific bill" to refer to a particular legislative proposal, such as, "The senator voiced strong opposition to "a specific bill" concerning environmental regulations".

What's the difference between "a specific bill" and "a general law"?

"A specific bill" refers to a particular proposed law under consideration, whereas "a general law" is a law that has already been enacted and applies broadly. A discussion about "a specific bill" would focus on its potential impact if passed, unlike a discussion about existing laws.

What are some alternatives to saying "a specific bill"?

You could use alternatives such as "a particular piece of legislation", "a designated bill", or "a concrete legislative proposal" to vary your language.

Is it better to say "a specific bill" or just name the bill?

Naming the bill directly is more precise, but "a specific bill" is useful when the context requires a general reference or when introducing the bill before naming it. For instance, you might first mention "a specific bill" and then refer to it by its official title subsequently.