a specific list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a detailed or particular enumeration of items or information. Example: "Please provide a specific list of the materials needed for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Internet users are a political constituency with a specific list of demands.

The Guardian - Opinion

One novel aspect of the report is a specific list of "Reasons for Concern".

The New York Times - Science

Controlled housing is identified by the application of a specific list of management and husbandry practices.

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

Each staffer's affidavit contained a specific list of questions that they would decline to answer.

The Washington Post

A specific list of the IEEE ethical code can be found here: IEEE website.

Cornell University

You can restrict access to a Web directory to a specific list of users.

Columbia University

Nvidia is an investor and a marketing partner with vReveal; a specific list of cards is at vReveal's Web site.

The New York Times

The act provides treatment and compensation for a specific list of illnesses, mainly asthma and other respiratory diseases.

The New York Times

Asked what recommendations he would make to clean up the government, he said he had not yet formed a specific list.

The New York Times

When you're posting to Facebook, use the visibility drop-down to determine who can see that post: everyone (public), friends, or a specific list or group.

Harvard Business Review

The British Library's Colindale newspaper reading room knows only that a paper has ceased publication, but does not keep a specific list of defunct titles.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific list", ensure the context clarifies the criteria or purpose that makes the list specific. Providing additional context improves clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific list" without indicating what makes it specific. For example, instead of saying "Refer to a specific list", specify "Refer to the specific list of approved vendors."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific list" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples confirm this usage in various contexts, indicating its role in identifying a particular set of items or criteria.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

26%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a specific list" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that designates a particular set of items or criteria. Ludwig's analysis reveals its widespread use across diverse fields such as news, science, and academia. This phrase serves to provide clarity, focus, and specificity in communication. While alternatives like "a detailed catalog" or "a precise enumeration" exist, "a specific list" maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Remember to provide enough information to clarify the criteria or purpose that makes the list specific.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular inventory

Replaces "list" with "inventory", implying a detailed compilation of items.

a precise enumeration

Uses more formal vocabulary to emphasize the exactness of the list.

a detailed catalog

Suggests a comprehensive and organized collection of items.

a select compilation

Highlights the curated nature of the list, implying careful selection.

an itemized record

Focuses on the individual entries within the list and their systematic arrangement.

a defined assortment

Emphasizes the variety within the list while maintaining its defined nature.

a restricted directory

Highlights the limited access or availability of the list.

a designated register

Implies an official or formally recognized list.

a conclusive schedule

Suggests the list represents a final and binding arrangement.

a bespoke roll

Uses "bespoke" to emphasize that the list has been created to unique specifications.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific list" to refer to a particular set of items, such as "The recipe requires "a specific list" of ingredients" or "The software is compatible with "a specific list" of file formats".

What are some alternatives to "a specific list"?

Alternatives include "a detailed catalog", "a precise enumeration", or "a particular inventory", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it better to say "a specific list" or "a detailed list"?

Both phrases are valid, but "a specific list" implies that the list is defined by particular criteria, while "a detailed list" suggests comprehensive information is provided. The best choice depends on what aspect you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "a specific list" and "a comprehensive list"?

"A specific list" denotes a list with particular, well-defined parameters or contents. "A comprehensive list", in contrast, aims to include all possible elements or aspects of something, thus being all-inclusive in nature.