a specific category of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific category of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to define or clarify a particular group or type within a broader context. Example: "The study focuses on a specific category of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She is an image of a specific category of ancestor, one recently dead.

The New York Times - Arts

Assign each student in each group to focus on a specific category of investigation — the ship, politics, economy and people.

The New York Times

It is not tailored to a specific company, but to a specific category of company -- those in the "emerging" stage.

The New York Times

And from Tuesday through Dec. 21, Macys.com will offer free shipping for a specific category of gifts each day, like fragrances or cookware.

The New York Times

The veneration of saints led to the production of a specific category of literature known as hagiography, which told the story of a saint's life.

Britannica

The results point to the lability of public opinion about important questions of public finance, and they illustrate a specific category of biases concerning disaggregation.

Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes

Last December, when Kenneth Lonergan's remarkable Margaret appeared, this long-delayed picture set in an edgy 2005 New York was widely identified as a "post-9/11 movie" as if this were a specific category of American film.

The Guardian - Film

The judges' unanimous decision is likely to trigger a rush of applications to the court of appeal by those convicted under a specific category of evidential rules, where defendants have "foresight" of what would happen before the murder was committed.

The Guardian

This was the most conspicuous of a stream of trade actions, covering goods from a specific category of flat-rolled steel to chicken broilers.

The New York Times

And that's just "repetitive loss" properties, a specific category of homes insured by the National Flood Insurance Program that have sustained at least $1,000 in damage twice in a 10-year period.

The Washington Post

LIM College in Midtown collaborates with the Accessories Council on its contest, during which students develop a product or plan to drive sales to a specific category of accessories.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific category of", ensure that the category is clearly defined and relevant to your overall point. Clarity helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific category of" when the category is too broad or ill-defined. Instead, refine your category to ensure it's truly specific and meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific category of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a particular subset within a larger group. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is used to narrow down and clarify a topic, making it more precise. For example, "a specific category of gifts" or "a specific category of evidential rules".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a specific category of" is a versatile tool for specifying subsets within larger groups. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, including scientific, news, and formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure that your category is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "a particular kind of" or "a certain type of" can provide subtle variations in meaning. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively employ "a specific category of" to enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular kind of

Emphasizes the distinct nature of the subset, using "kind" instead of "category".

a certain type of

Uses "type" to highlight the classification aspect, slightly less formal than "category".

a defined class of

Replaces "category" with "class", stressing the structured or organized nature of the grouping.

a designated subset of

Focuses on the idea of a smaller, specifically marked part of a larger set.

a precise genre of

Implies a more refined and specialized grouping, especially suitable for arts and culture contexts.

a distinct segment of

Highlights the separateness and individuality of the group being referenced.

a specialized form of

Suggests that the category is a more tailored or adapted version of something else.

a unique variety of

Emphasizes the originality and non-replicability of the elements within the category.

a selected group of

Stresses the act of choosing or filtering, implying that the category was intentionally created.

a limited scope of

Underlines the restricted or confined nature of the category's contents or application.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific category of" to narrow down a broader subject. For example, "The study focused on a specific category of mental disorders, including anxiety and depression."

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

You can use alternatives like "a particular kind of", "a certain type of", or "a defined class of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "specific category" or "particular category"?

"Specific" and "particular" are often interchangeable. However, "specific" implies a clearly defined and precise category, while "particular" may suggest simply a noteworthy or individual one. Choose the word that best matches the nuance you intend to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a specific category of" in academic writing?

It's appropriate to use "a specific category of" in academic writing when you need to precisely define the scope of your research or discussion. This helps to ensure clarity and avoid generalizations.