a specific breed of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific breed of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular type or category within a larger classification, often in contexts related to animals, plants, or even abstract concepts. Example: "The Labrador Retriever is a specific breed of dog known for its friendly and outgoing nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Not unlike the mobile hustler in the recent legal thriller "The Lincoln Lawyer" (who ran his practice from the back seat of a Town Car), his situation is somewhat unconventional, though it is also reflective of the increasingly troubled plight of a specific breed of New York lawyer, assigned-counsel — or 18-B — attorneys who represent the poor.

The New York Times

They pride themselves on premium fabrics, which include cashmere from baby goats in northern China and Mongolia, fur from vicuna in the Andes and fleece from a specific breed of sheep in New Zealand.

Forbes

Thoroughbred is a specific breed of horse, while a "purebred" is a horse (or any other animal) with a defined pedigree recognized by a breed registry.

Wikipedia

But, if you really want to get a specific breed of dog that you can't find through a rescue group, do not buy a dog without doing your homework.

Huffington Post

It's a common misconception that you cannot adopt a specific breed of dog you might be looking for, so you have to find a breeder and purchase them for an outrageous price.

Huffington Post

In as late as the 19th century in Iceland, a specific breed of fox was known as holtaþórr ("Thor of the holt"), likely due to the red coat of the breed.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

If your dog is a specific breed, there is lots of information online about what is that breed's ideal weight.

WikiHow

This signature could be used to certify that a given animal does or does not belong to a specific breed, based on the analyses of limited numbers of OR genes.

BMC Genomics

They're a very specific breed of person who is persistently crazy in both style and substance.

Huffington Post

However, once a specific breed has been established, the process of selective breeding becomes one of choosing individuals that conform most closely to recognized standards.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The term thoroughbred is sometimes incorrectly used to mean purebred, but Thoroughbreds are a specific breed, registered in the General Stud Book of the English Jockey Club, organized about 1750, or in the studbooks of similar clubs in other countries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a specific breed of", ensure that the context clearly defines the larger group to which the breed belongs. For example, "a specific breed of dog" is clearer than just "a specific breed."

Common error

Avoid using "a specific breed of" when referring to something that is inherently unique and doesn't belong to a larger category of similar items. For example, it would be incorrect to say "a specific breed of unicorn" because unicorns are not known to exist in multiple varieties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific breed of" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, specifying a particular kind or type within a broader category. Ludwig AI confirms that is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

22%

Wiki

35%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a specific breed of" is a determiner phrase used to specify a particular kind within a broader category, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and commonly used across news, wiki, and science contexts. While interchangeable with alternatives like ""a particular kind of"" or ""a certain type of"", it's important to ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralization, particularly when the referent does not belong to a larger, diverse group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular kind of

Replaces 'breed' with 'kind', focusing on type rather than lineage.

a certain type of

Emphasizes the existence of a defined type without specifying its origin.

a distinct variety of

Highlights the uniqueness and differentiation of the variety.

a specialized form of

Suggests a form adapted for a particular purpose or environment.

a unique strain of

Implies a specific genetic lineage with distinct characteristics.

a precise class of

Highlights a level of definition and accurateness, focusing on belonging to a clear class.

a definite category of

Replaces 'breed' with 'category', focusing on a clear, established grouping.

a selected type of

Suggests a deliberate choice or selection of a particular type.

a customized version of

Highlights the aspects of adaptation to fit specific criteria.

a designated group of

Implies a formal or official classification into a specific group.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific breed of" to refer to a particular type within a larger category, often related to animals, but applicable to other classifications. Example: "The Maine Coon is "a specific breed of" cat known for its large size."

What are some alternatives to "a specific breed of"?

Consider using alternatives such as "a particular kind of", "a certain type of", or "a distinct variety of", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "a specific breed of" when referring to people?

While primarily used for animals, "a specific breed of" can be used metaphorically to describe people with distinct characteristics. However, use caution as it might be seen as dehumanizing or insensitive. A better alternative may be "a particular type of person".

What's the difference between "a specific breed of" and "a purebred"?

"A specific breed of" refers to any recognized type within a larger group, while "purebred" indicates that an animal's ancestry is entirely within a single breed, without any mixing. All purebreds are "a specific breed of", but not all members of a specific breed are necessarily purebred.