a specific detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific detail" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular piece of information that is distinct and clearly defined. Example: "In your report, please include a specific detail about the project's timeline to clarify the deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It doesn't do any good to get a specific detail right if you get general details wrong.

The New Yorker

Sleeping and dreaming, Stickgold argues, help us sift through material to isolate and store the important take-away, whether it is what he calls the "gist" (the overarching point of a lot of information) or a specific detail.

The New Yorker

Shortly after, I received a series of panicked texts from one of our sources, who wrote that Donovan was about to publish a specific detail about her relationship with Ghomeshi – something that she had asked us never to use, and which added no substance to the story but could cause her identity to be revealed.

The Guardian - Opinion

He points to a specific detail on the new car's rear, the beveled rear corners that manage the airflow around the back of the car, as an example of how the Mini is moving toward a crisper, more tailored design aesthetic.

BBC

Category 3. Specific transcription details corrected/changed These include instances where a specific detail that had been provided in the interview, such as the name of a person, organization or other entity, date or statistic, was corrected or changed by the interviewee upon review of the interview transcript.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Category 2. Specific details added to transcript These include instances where the interviewee added a specific detail to the transcript, such as the name of a person, organization or other entity, date or statistic, that the interviewee had not been able to recall at the time of the interview.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A spokesman for Club 18-30, whish is run by Thomas Cook, said: "Out of respect for the family, we are not at liberty to share any specific details until a formal identification process has been completed.

The Guardian

OVER the years, New York has been home to much comic-book heroism but only a few superheroes have dwelt in a city of specific detail.

The New York Times

By Ligaya Mishan July 14 , 2009Is it prurient of me to want to know in a little more specific detail how the ambisexuality of the Gethenians works?

The New Yorker

Is it prurient of me to want to know in a little more specific detail how the ambisexuality of the Gethenians works?

The New Yorker

Tell a story of some specific detail or action that exemplifies why this person is special in this world, and to you in particular.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions or explanations, use "a specific detail" to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "check the settings", say "check the settings under a specific detail such as 'Advanced Options'".

Common error

Avoid using "a specific detail" when you actually need to provide the detail itself. For example, instead of saying "focus on a specific detail", provide the detail directly: "focus on the date of the meeting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific detail" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies a particular piece of information, distinguishing it from general or vague information. Ludwig provides many examples where the phrase is used to pinpoint requirements or clarify instructions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a specific detail" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for emphasizing the need for precise information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, showcasing its presence across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While not overly frequent, it serves as a clear indicator of the importance of clarity and accuracy. When writing, focus on providing the detail itself rather than just referring to it in abstract terms. As the examples from Ludwig show, the expression is often used in scenarios where accuracy and clarity are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular detail

Emphasizes the distinct and individual nature of the detail.

a precise detail

Highlights the accuracy and exactness of the information.

a certain detail

Indicates a definite but possibly unspecified piece of information.

a concrete detail

Stresses the tangible and factual nature of the detail.

a distinct detail

Focuses on the clear and recognizable nature of the detail.

a definite detail

Highlights the clarity and unambiguity of the information.

a clear detail

Emphasizes the easily understandable nature of the detail.

an exact detail

Highlights the accuracy and precision of the information.

a pinpointed detail

Indicates that the detail has been precisely identified.

a selective detail

Highlights the chosen and deliberate nature of the detail.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific detail" when you want to refer to a particular, well-defined piece of information. For example, "The report requires a specific detail about the budget allocation."

What's the difference between "a specific detail" and "a general detail"?

"A specific detail" refers to a particular and distinct piece of information, whereas "a general detail" refers to broad, non-particular information.

What are some alternatives to "a specific detail"?

You can use alternatives like "a particular detail", "a precise detail", or "a concrete detail" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very specific detail"?

While not grammatically incorrect, saying "very specific detail" can be redundant. It is usually sufficient to simply say "a specific detail" as specificity already implies a high level of detail.