a specific data

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific data" may be grammatically correct, but it is not commonly used in written English.
More commonly, the singular form "specific datum" or the plural form "specific data points" would be used. Example: The researchers analyzed specific data points from the study to find patterns in the results.

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Tap More Settings and you can set a specific data warning as well as a data limit, making it almost impossible to veer outside of your contract and saving you from racking up some unsightly bills.

The Guardian - Tech

Choose a specific data set related to the economy and see whether it can be traced in some way to the rhetoric and goals of Occupy Wall Street.

The New York Times

A specific data collection form was used.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

These systems usually have a specific data use policy.

Earth, Planets and Space

Establishment-based freight surveys (EBFS) are a specific data collection process for urban freight operations.

European Transport Research Review

If focusing on a specific data model, a more precise characterization of completeness can be given.

Data Science and Engineering

The user would select a desired site and issue a request for a specific data file.

Journal of Big Data

This layer contains the firmware designed for a specific data logging application.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Supported quality data processing defines processing, which can be performed with a specific data processing tool.

Journal of Big Data

Individual outliers show compounds only found in a specific data set.

Journal of Cheminformatics

The user base sends requests that are executed according to a routing policy in a specific data center.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clarifies whether you are referring to a single set of data or multiple instances; if multiple, use a plural form like "specific datasets".

Common error

Avoid mixing singular and plural verb forms when using "data". If treating it as singular ("a specific data"), maintain consistency throughout the sentence; otherwise, use "specific data points" and plural verbs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific data" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, intended to single out particular information for consideration. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it is more common to use "specific datum" or "specific data points" due to grammatical considerations. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate varied usage across different fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a specific data" is used to highlight particular information but faces grammatical scrutiny due to "data" often being treated as a plural noun. Ludwig AI suggests using "specific datum" (singular) or "specific data points" (plural) for improved grammatical accuracy. While widely used, especially in scientific and technical fields, it's crucial to consider the context and audience. For formal writing, opting for "a specific data point" or "specific data sets" ensures clarity and avoids potential ambiguity. Remember to maintain consistency in verb agreement based on whether you treat "data" as singular or plural within your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular data point

Replaces "data" with the singular "data point" to emphasize an individual piece of information.

a certain dataset

Substitutes "specific" with "certain" and uses "dataset" to clarify the context.

precise data values

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of the data.

a focused data analysis

Emphasizes the concentrated approach applied to analyzing the data.

a tailored data selection

Highlights the customization aspect of choosing the data.

identified data sources

Shifts the emphasis to recognizing and pinpointing the origins of the data.

designated information

Replaces "specific data" with a more general term, focusing on the act of designation.

a select data subset

Highlights a smaller, chosen portion of the overall data.

a distinct data type

Focuses on the unique nature of the data's classification.

defined data parameters

Shifts the focus to the parameters that define the data being considered.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "a specific data"?

While commonly used, "a specific data" can be grammatically ambiguous because "data" is often treated as a plural noun. Consider using "a specific data point" or "specific data sets" for better clarity.

What's the difference between "a specific data" and "specific data points"?

"A specific data" implies referring to a single, though perhaps undefined, collection of data. "Specific data points" explicitly refers to individual pieces of information within a larger dataset, treating "data" as plural.

When should I use "a specific data" instead of "specific data"?

Using "a specific data" is acceptable in informal contexts or when the specific data is being considered as a single entity. However, for formal writing, it is often better to rephrase as "a specific dataset" or to use the plural form "specific data points" to ensure grammatical correctness.

What are some alternatives to "a specific data" that are more grammatically sound?

Alternatives include "a particular data set", "a designated data set", or "certain data values", depending on the intended meaning. These options avoid the singular/plural ambiguity.