a specific name

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific name" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular name that is distinct or clearly defined, often in contexts where clarification is needed. Example: "In the context of this discussion, we need to identify a specific name that represents our brand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The French have a specific name for this procedure: exequatur.

Columbia University

I've seen long coats, but I never knew they had a specific name.

The New York Times

Selecting a specific name then brings up information about that artist or artwork.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Folders titled with a specific name are arranged in reverse chronologic order.

Cornell University

A specific name serves to restrict or modify the meaning of the place-name.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When it comes to digging up a specific name, date, phrase or price, search engines are unstoppable.

The New York Times

For amphiboles that are not precisely characterized by their chemistry, it is not possible to assign a specific name.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Locally declared complexTypes and simpleTypes do not have a specific name (they are anonymous), and therefore are not able to be referenced and reused.

SOA and Web Services Interface Design Principles, Techniques, and Standards

Using the database at the National Archives, members of the public can search for a specific name or look for results by a specific location.

The Guardian

This discovery served to focus attention on the properties of "air," which was soon found to be a generic, not a specific, name.

Britannica

The call to gss_acquire_cred may include a desired_name parameter, or it may pass GSS_C_NO_NAME if it does not have a specific name preference.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific name", ensure the context clarifies why that particular name is significant. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid pairing "a specific name" with overly general descriptions. If you're specifying a name, make sure the surrounding context provides enough detail to understand its relevance and uniqueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific name" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as an object or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig shows, it identifies a particular identifier as opposed to a general one.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a specific name" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a particular identifier. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable and appropriate in formal and informal settings. Using "a specific name" ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity by pinpointing a particular entity or concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular designation

Replaces 'name' with 'designation', emphasizing the act of assigning a name for a purpose.

a distinct identifier

Focuses on the uniqueness of the name as a way to identify something.

a precise term

Emphasizes the exactness and accuracy of the name or label.

a designated title

Highlights the official or assigned nature of the name.

a selected moniker

Uses 'moniker' as a more informal synonym for name, implying choice.

a pinpointed label

Suggests the name accurately and sharply identifies something.

a clear appellation

Replaces 'name' with 'appellation', a more formal term for a name or title.

an exact denomination

Emphasizes the precise and formal nature of the name.

a unique identifier

Highlights the name's role in distinguishing one thing from others.

a special title

Conveys a sense of importance or exclusivity associated with the name.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific name" to refer to a particular identifier or title. For instance, "The document requires you to enter "a specific name" for the beneficiary."

What is another way to say "a specific name"?

Alternatives to "a specific name" include phrases like "a particular name", "a distinct identifier", or "a precise term".

When should I use "a specific name" versus "any name"?

Use "a specific name" when you are referring to a particular, known entity. Use "any name" when the identity is not important or when you are allowing for flexibility in the choice of name.

What's the difference between "a specific name" and "a generic name"?

"A specific name" refers to a unique identifier for something, while "a generic name" refers to a common or general term applicable to a class of things.