a specific change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific change" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular alteration or modification that is clearly defined or identified. Example: "The report outlines a specific change in the company's policy regarding remote work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The farm regulation task force demanded a specific change: all soil protection rules attached to farm subsidies should become voluntary.

The Guardian - Opinion

Parasites, on the other hand, often launch a much broader attack that still manages to cause a specific change in their host.

The New York Times - Science

The closest thing to a specific change Mr. McGreevey proposed today was to expand the jurisdiction and authority of the state's Office of Emergency Management in responding to a health crisis.

The New York Times

The Deal Professor argues that Cerberus has a weak claim because it attributes the adverse change to a decline in the economy, rather than a specific change at Innkeepers.

The New York Times

There is some good news – the study showed that a specific change in the parasites' DNA could be used to identify resistant parasites and so help map the spread of resistance; and it showed that longer courses of treatment were still effective.

The Guardian - Opinion

The report did not tie either leak to a specific change in Aqueduct Entertainment's bid, but it did say that on Sept. 23, the group modified its financial projections in such a way that it vaulted from last to first on that criterion (one bidder had dropped out).

The New York Times

The reporting last week made allegations about a specific change in 2012.

TechCrunch

This is the point at which the economy successfully talked the law into a specific change.

European Journal of Futures Research

By a specific change of variables in these dispersion relations, the corresponding buckling stresses can be determined.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

The condition for switching back to the real target is established using a specific change in the obstacle information sensed.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

"This is the first study to see a specific change in inclusions at a specific time in Earth's history".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When detailing a change, follow "a specific change" with clarifying information to avoid ambiguity. For example, "a specific change in the company's marketing strategy" provides more context than just "a specific change".

Common error

Avoid using "a specific change" without specifying what the change is. This can leave the reader wondering about the details, undermining your message's clarity and impact. Always provide enough context to make the change clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific change" functions as a noun phrase, where "specific" modifies the noun "change". It identifies a particular alteration or modification. As Ludwig highlights, it’s usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a specific change" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for denoting a particular, well-defined alteration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely applicable in English writing. Its prevalence in scientific and news media indicates its usefulness in contexts requiring precision. While versatile, it's best practice to follow it with clarifying information to ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "a particular alteration" or "a precise adjustment" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Therefore, using "a specific change" correctly involves providing sufficient context to avoid ambiguity and ensuring the alteration is indeed clearly defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular alteration

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the alteration more strongly than the specificity.

a defined modification

Highlights the clarity and well-defined nature of the modification.

a precise adjustment

Suggests a very accurate and careful change, often in technical contexts.

a distinct transformation

Implies a more significant and noticeable change than a simple adjustment.

a targeted modification

Focuses on the intentional and directed nature of the change.

a concrete revision

Emphasizes the tangible and definite aspects of the change.

a determined shift

Suggests that the change is resolute and intentional.

a well-defined alteration

Highlights that the alteration is clear, explicit, and easy to understand.

a unique adjustment

Implies the adjustment is singular and one-of-a-kind.

a singular modification

Highlights the uniqueness and individuality of the modification.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific change" to refer to a particular alteration or modification that you are clearly defining. For example, "The company implemented "a specific change" in its environmental policy."

What are some alternatives to "a specific change"?

You can use alternatives such as "a particular alteration", "a defined modification", or "a precise adjustment" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a specific change" or "a general change"?

"A specific change" implies a clearly defined alteration, while "a general change" refers to a broad or non-detailed modification. The best choice depends on the level of detail you wish to convey.

How does "a specific change" differ from "a significant change"?

"A specific change" emphasizes the clarity and definition of the alteration, whereas "a significant change" highlights the importance or impact of the modification, regardless of how well-defined it is.