a specific configuration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific configuration" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular arrangement or setup of components, systems, or elements in various contexts, such as technology, design, or data organization. Example: "The software requires a specific configuration to function optimally, including the correct settings for the network and database."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

only rules on a specific configuration".

The New York Times

Junkets are highly structured events and require a specific configuration of hospitality rooms and reception rooms, according to the architect.

The New York Times

NEWA models and tools require a specific configuration of weather station sensors to work.

Cornell University

Each room can be created by rolling the walls-cum-storage unit – made from oriented strand board (OSB) wood, an alternative to plywood – into a specific configuration.

The Guardian

The theoretical basis that postulated the production of intense light of a specific configuration, pre-dated the development of the first laser by over forty years.

Nature

Is a specific configuration of stem/TA cells required to form a sustainable regenerative unit containing self-renewing multipotent stem cells?

Nature

All the components are placed in a specific configuration to keep the antenna from interfering with circuitry in the rest of the device.

MIT Technology Review

A specific configuration is investigated numerically with a two-dimensional finite element model.

Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing

This paper describes a specific configuration of the designed compact work-recovery phase shifter.

Cryogenics

The same is done by developing a design procedure for a specific configuration.

Solar Energy

The electromagnetic response of a specific configuration with C4 symmetry was identical to the structure with simple lattice.

Optics Communications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific configuration", clearly define what elements are part of that configuration. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the audience understands the precise arrangement you're referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific configuration" without providing enough context. Saying a system requires "a specific configuration" without detailing it leaves the audience guessing and undermines the specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific configuration" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a particular arrangement or setup, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a specific configuration" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that denotes a particular arrangement or setup. As Ludwig highlights, it is suitable for use in various contexts, including science, news, and academia. Its communicative purpose is to specify a precise arrangement. When using this phrase, ensure that you provide enough context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "a particular arrangement" or "a designated setup". Its frequency and widespread use in authoritative sources confirm its relevance and validity in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular arrangement

Changes the word choice, replacing "specific configuration" with "particular arrangement" while maintaining the meaning of a defined setup.

a designated setup

Substitutes "specific" with "designated" and "configuration" with "setup", emphasizing the planned or predetermined nature of the arrangement.

a precise layout

Replaces "configuration" with "layout", highlighting the spatial arrangement aspect, and "specific" with "precise" for emphasis.

a defined structure

Uses "defined structure" instead of "specific configuration", focusing on the organized and established nature of the setup.

a set arrangement

Emphasizes that the configuration is not flexible and already determined. It swaps "specific configuration" with "set arrangement".

a tailored system

Implies that the setup is not just specific but also customized. "Specific configuration" is replaced with "tailored system".

a certain composition

Shifts the focus to the elements and their arrangement within the configuration, where "specific configuration" is replaced with "certain composition".

a fixed pattern

Highlights the immutability of the configuration, changing "specific configuration" to "fixed pattern".

a distinct formation

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the configuration, swapping "specific configuration" for "distinct formation".

a detailed design

Focuses on the planned aspects of the configuration and swaps "specific configuration" with "detailed design".

FAQs

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

Use "a specific configuration" when you need to describe a particular arrangement or setup of elements, like "The software requires "a specific configuration" of hardware to run properly."

What are some alternatives to "a specific configuration"?

You can use alternatives such as "a particular arrangement", "a designated setup", or "a precise layout" depending on the context. For example, you might say, "The device needs "a particular arrangement" to function correctly."

Which is correct, "a specific configuration" or "specific configuration"?

The phrase "a specific configuration" is grammatically correct. Using "specific configuration" without the article "a" is less common and may sound awkward, especially when referring to one instance.

How does "a specific configuration" differ from "a general configuration"?

"A specific configuration" refers to a very precise and detailed setup, whereas "a general configuration" refers to a more common or typical setup that isn't necessarily tailored or unique. When you need to point out that you need something particularly unique you can use "a specific configuration".