a specific group of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific group of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular subset or category within a larger population or collection. Example: "The study focused on a specific group of individuals who had experienced similar life events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your pitch is given to a specific group of people, so you need to adjust it to target them specifically.

Huffington Post

Also, Stampy is a superstar for a specific group of viewers: children.

The Guardian - Tech

☐ Is the person promoting an attack on a specific group of perceived political opponents?

The Washington Post

The world does not revolve around a specific group of people.

The New York Times

Scientists insert genes for a light-sensitive ion channel into a specific group of neurons.

Stanford University

"Individualized medicine" aims to target interventions to a specific group of people.

Harvard University

I can't recommend this book to a specific group of people, simply because I think everyone should read it.

The Guardian

A global problem that seems otherwise insoluble can be blamed upon a specific group of human beings.

The Guardian

It's an indictment focused on a specific set of charges targeting a specific group of people — 13 in total.

The Washington Post

This marked the first time a specific group of people were forbidden to enter the United States.

The New York Times - Books

This microbial process is carried out by a specific group of bacterial strains called acetogens.

Advances in Applied Microbiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific group of", ensure the criteria for group membership are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific group of" when referring to broad, undefined sets. Use it only when the group is identifiable and distinct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific group of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a particular subset or category. It specifies that the group being referred to is not general but rather distinctly identified. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a specific group of" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a particular subset or category. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its frequent usage across various domains, especially in news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like "a particular set of" or "a defined segment of" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure the criteria for group membership are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase serves to identify a distinct group within a larger population, providing clarity and focus to the communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular set of

Replaces "group" with "set", emphasizing a collection of items or individuals.

a defined segment of

Substitutes "group" with "segment", highlighting a portion or section of a larger whole.

a designated subset of

Uses "subset" instead of "group", indicating a smaller, more focused collection.

a select number of

Replaces "group" with "number", focusing on the quantity of individuals or items.

a targeted selection of

Emphasizes the intentionality behind the grouping or selection.

a chosen category of

Substitutes "group" with "category", highlighting a classification based on shared characteristics.

a distinct class of

Replaces "group" with "class", emphasizing a formal or recognized grouping.

a specialized division of

Highlights the unique and expert nature of the grouping.

a precise cohort of

Emphasizes a shared experience or characteristic within the group.

a limited circle of

Focuses on the exclusivity and restricted size of the grouping.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific group of" to refer to a clearly defined subset within a larger population. For example, "The research focused on "a specific group of patients" with similar symptoms."

What are some alternatives to "a specific group of"?

Alternatives include "a particular set of", "a defined segment of", or "a designated subset of", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a specific group of people"?

While "group" inherently implies people, specifying "people" can add emphasis when the group's composition is relevant. It's generally acceptable but consider if it's necessary for clarity.

What's the difference between "a specific group of" and "a particular group of"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Specific" emphasizes a clearly defined group, while "particular" highlights individuality or distinctiveness. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.