a specific individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific individual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one particular person, often in contexts where distinguishing that person from others is important. Example: "In this study, we will focus on a specific individual to understand the effects of the treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Direct your questions to a specific individual.

Stanford University

However, these munitions may be used against "a specific individual".

The Guardian

Due process, applied to a specific individual, has purposes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Idiolect: The grammar used by a specific individual.

Yale University

But they acknowledged the difficulty of finding a specific individual who could be prosecuted.

The New York Times

They gave no indication that a specific individual or group was suspected of causing the blasts.

The New York Times

Tracking a specific individual of genuine concern is very different from sweeping everyone into a net.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is difficult to trace an attack to a specific individual in cyberspace.

The Guardian - Tech

In the context of identity theft, identity refers to information intrinsic to a specific individual.

Britannica

It was believed to house foreign fighters, including French nationals, but Hollande denied they were targeting a specific individual.

The Guardian

The allegations concern a specific target, a specific individual and not the greater Middletown community as a whole".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a specific individual" when you want to emphasize the focus on one particular person, as opposed to a general group or category.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific individual" repeatedly in formal writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "a particular person" or "the individual in question" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific individual" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a particular person. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly used to highlight the focus on one distinct person rather than a group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

22%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a specific individual" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to one particular person. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, including news reporting, academic writing, and scientific publications. While it serves to highlight the focus on a single person, varying your language with alternatives like "a particular person" or "the individual in question" can help maintain reader engagement, especially in formal writing. It's crucial to use this phrase when you want to draw attention to one distinct person and avoid generalizations about groups or categories.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular person

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the person being referred to.

a certain individual

Suggests the individual is known but not necessarily identified.

one particular person

Highlights the singularity and focus on a single person.

a designated individual

Indicates the person has been officially chosen or appointed.

a named individual

Implies the person has been explicitly identified by name.

the individual in question

Refers to someone previously mentioned or under consideration.

a unique individual

Highlights the distinct qualities or characteristics of the person.

a singular individual

Emphasizes the rare or exceptional nature of the person.

an identifiable person

Focuses on the person's ability to be recognized or distinguished.

a discrete individual

Implies the person is separate and distinct from others.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific individual" when you want to emphasize that your focus is on one person, not a group. For example, "The investigation focused on "a specific individual" suspected of the crime".

What are some alternatives to "a specific individual"?

You can use alternatives like "a particular person", "a certain individual", or "the individual in question" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a specific individual" or "a particular person"?

Both "a specific individual" and "a particular person" are correct, but "a particular person" might sound more natural in everyday conversation. "A specific individual" can add emphasis in formal contexts.

When should I use "the individual in question" instead of "a specific individual"?

Use "the individual in question" when you have already mentioned the person before and want to refer back to them. "A specific individual" is typically used when introducing the person for the first time.