a specific interpretation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific interpretation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular understanding or explanation of a concept, text, or situation. Example: "In literary analysis, a specific interpretation of the poem can reveal deeper meanings that may not be immediately apparent."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Did you intend a specific interpretation?

The New Yorker

It can be argued that the wintry setting of "Swan Lake" similarly reinforces a specific interpretation.

The New York Times - Arts

Do you think that we as readers are meant to come up with a specific interpretation of this dream?

The New Yorker

"Today the republican [nature] of our country is overshadowed by a specific interpretation of its Islamic [character]," he said.

The Guardian

$23. Rarely does a work of fiction arrive in book form well after the movie version has already imprinted a specific interpretation on prospective readers.

The New York Times - Books

This is based on a specific interpretation of the Bible and in particular the account of creation in the book of Genesis.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

By emphasising the importance of real-world entities and by encouraging a more specific interpretation than the generalisation of a "conceptualisation", realism helps to avoid the introduction of unnecessary layers of abstraction.

Plosone

This initial report is then sent via email with the clinical history form to a specialist HIV clinician, who provides a more specific interpretation with recommendations for on-going medical management, including antiretroviral regimen change where appropriate.

BMC Health Services Research

Both as a raw assertion of judicial power and as a more specific interpretation of the 14th Amendment, it was not merely wrong, but spectacularly wrong in precisely the ways that conservative justices like Scalia, Rehnquist and Thomas had been objecting to for years.

The New York Times - Books

Perhaps he was freeing his music from a too specific interpretation, from his own preoccupations.

The New Yorker

While one of them applies the definition of LANs given by IEC 60050 (IEV 732-01-04), the other is a very specific interpretation for application in smart grids.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific interpretation", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being interpreted and what makes the interpretation specific. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific interpretation" when the interpretation is widely accepted or commonly understood. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific interpretation" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "specific" modifies the noun "interpretation". It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting a particular understanding or explanation. Ludwig provides many examples showing how this phrase is used across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

27%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a specific interpretation" is a common and grammatically correct way to emphasize a particular understanding or explanation of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including science, news, and formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies what is being interpreted and what makes the interpretation specific to enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralization. Related phrases, such as "a particular interpretation" or "a distinct interpretation", can serve as alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember, the phrase's value lies in highlighting deliberate and focused understandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular interpretation

Replaces "specific" with "particular", indicating a certain interpretation among many.

a distinct interpretation

Substitutes "specific" with "distinct", emphasizing the uniqueness of the interpretation.

a precise interpretation

Replaces "specific" with "precise", highlighting the accuracy and exactness of the interpretation.

a unique interpretation

Substitutes "specific" with "unique", stressing the one-of-a-kind nature of the interpretation.

a concrete interpretation

Replaces "specific" with "concrete", suggesting a tangible and clear understanding.

a certain interpretation

Substitutes "specific" with "certain", implying a confident and definite interpretation.

a definitive interpretation

Replaces "specific" with "definitive", emphasizing the conclusive nature of the interpretation.

an explicit interpretation

Replaces "specific" with "explicit", focusing on the clarity and directness of the interpretation.

a tailored interpretation

Substitutes "specific" with "tailored", suggesting the interpretation is customized to a particular context.

a well-defined interpretation

Replaces "specific" with "well-defined", highlighting the clear and unambiguous nature of the interpretation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific interpretation" to refer to a particular way of understanding something. For example, "The historian offered a specific interpretation of the treaty's clauses."

What are some alternatives to using "a specific interpretation"?

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

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

"A specific interpretation" refers to a detailed, particular understanding, while "a general interpretation" is a broad, less detailed understanding. The former is focused; the latter is widespread.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a specific interpretation"?

It might be redundant if the interpretation is already understood to be unique or tailored. Ensure the use of "a specific interpretation" adds value by highlighting a deliberate, non-obvious understanding.