a specific item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific item" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular object or thing that is distinct from others. Example: "Please make sure to include a specific item in your order that meets our requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The measures are scored based on the presence of a specific item and the specificity and action-orientation of language.

Preventive Medicine

"People are coming specifically into our town because they're looking for a specific item to purchase.

Los Angeles Times

actual source of a specific item.

Columbia University

We've borrowed again from the French to name a specific item of lingerie: the brassiere.

The New York Times - Magazine

You kill, you hope for a specific item, you get another, you try again.

The Guardian - Tech

T had his first determined tantrum in a shop, over a specific item.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A customer, usually a collector, can hire them to find a specific item and purchase it.

The New York Times - Tech

But when it came to searching for a specific item, Mr. Byrne admitted that the site was difficult to navigate.

The New York Times - Tech

Shopping online is safe -- I generally don't browse but instead go after a specific item I already have identified.

The New York Times - Tech

It is possible to donate a cash sum, a specific item such as a painting, or even your home.

The Times

As he/she returns items, he/she should explain why a specific item is being returned to a specific person.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When searching online, use keywords related to "a specific item" to narrow down your results and find exactly what you're looking for.

Common error

Avoid using overly broad search terms when you're looking for "a specific item". This can lead to irrelevant results and wasted time. Instead, include precise details in your query to get more targeted matches.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific item" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the item being referred to is particular and identifiable. It highlights the distinctness of the item in question. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

32%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific item" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves to pinpoint a particular object or element. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts, spanning from news and media to academic research. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by providing sufficient details about the item being referenced. Alternatives such as "a particular item" or "a designated item" can add nuance to your writing. Remember to avoid overly broad search terms when looking for "a specific item" to achieve the best results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular item

Replaces "specific" with "particular", emphasizing individuality.

a certain item

Substitutes "specific" with "certain", suggesting a known but not explicitly named item.

a designated item

Uses "designated" instead of "specific", implying the item was pre-selected.

a precise item

Replaces "specific" with "precise", highlighting accuracy and exactness.

a selected item

Uses "selected" to show the item was picked out from a larger group.

a unique item

Emphasizes the item is one-of-a-kind by using "unique".

a distinct item

Replaces "specific" with "distinct", stressing the item's separate identity.

an individual item

Highlights the item's singularity and separateness.

a specified item

Emphasizes that the item has been clearly identified or stated.

a targeted item

Highlights that the item is the focus of an action or search.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific item" to refer to a particular thing you are talking about, buying, or looking for. For example: "I'm looking for "a specific item" on the menu."

What can I say instead of "a specific item"?

You can use alternatives like "a particular item", "a certain item", or "a designated item" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a specific item" or "a special item"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. "A specific item" refers to a particular or definite thing, while "a special item" refers to something that is unique or of particular value.

What's the difference between "a specific item" and "a unique item"?

"A specific item" refers to a particular object or thing that you can identify. "A unique item", on the other hand, indicates that the object is the only one of its kind. You might be searching for "a specific item", like a particular model of phone, that is not necessarily "a unique item".