a specific form of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific form of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe a particular type or variation of something within a broader category. Example: "Yoga is a specific form of exercise that focuses on flexibility and mindfulness."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Supporters say it bans a specific form of late-term abortion.

The New York Times

Alexia is a specific form of visual agnosia, an inability to recognize written language.

The New Yorker

The race in Virginia has been a study in a specific form of political anxiety.

The New Yorker

You get the impression that the next 12 months for Zuckerberg are going to be a specific form of hell.

The Guardian - Tech

The tenson was a specific form of débat, a kind of medieval poetic contest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This equation is a specific form of Hooke's law of elasticity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Concentration camps, for example, evolved from a specific form of exploitation, and everything else which made them so disgusting must be explained by sociopsychological means".

The New Yorker

Mr. Goldhaber's background in a specific form of computer networking does not deter friends and relatives from associating him with computer networking of every kind.

The New York Times - Tech

Of the prejudice dealt out by society to Roma people, he says, "Sooner or later we will need to recognise it as a specific form of discrimination".

The Guardian

During the civil rights movement, marching was a specific form of political expression, a statement against segregation, a breaking out into a larger public realm.

The New York Times

In my book on the subject I define hope as a specific form of wishing but with some important distinguishing features that separate it from mere wishful thinking.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a specific form of" to clarify that you are referring to a particular subset or variation within a larger group or category. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides greater precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific form of" when you actually mean any form or any type. Using the phrase implies that you're intentionally singling out a particular version, not making a blanket statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific form of" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, specifying that the noun is one particular type or instance out of many possible ones. It serves to narrow down the focus to a defined subset. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a specific form of" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to denote a particular instance or type within a larger category. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread applicability across diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. To ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralization, it's crucial to use this phrase when you truly intend to highlight a distinct subset. Remember that alternatives like "a particular kind of" or "a distinct type of" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance. By employing "a specific form of" judiciously, you can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A particular kind of

Emphasizes the 'kind' or variety, rather than simply the form.

A distinct type of

Highlights the uniqueness or separateness of the type.

A specialized sort of

Suggests a more technical or niche category.

A precise variety of

Focuses on accuracy and exactness in defining the variety.

A definite class of

Indicates a well-defined and recognized class.

A certain category of

Emphasizes the grouping or classification aspect.

An individual case of

Highlights a single occurrence or instance.

A unique brand of

Suggests a distinctive and recognizable style or approach.

A tailored version of

Implies adaptation or customization to a specific purpose.

A customized iteration of

Focuses on the modified or adapted nature of something.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific form of" to indicate that you are talking about one particular type within a broader category. For example, "Jazz is "a specific form of music" that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans."

What phrases are similar to "a specific form of"?

Alternatives include "a particular kind of", "a distinct type of", or "a specialized sort of". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a specific form of type"?

Yes, saying "a specific form of type" can be redundant because "form" and "type" are very similar in meaning. It's better to choose one or the other for clarity, such as "a specific type of".

What is the difference between "a specific form of" and "a general form of"?

"A specific form of" refers to a particular instance or subset within a category, whereas "a general form of" refers to a broad or common version. For example, "calculus" is "a specific form of mathematics", while arithmetic is a general form.