a specific object

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific object" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular item or thing that is clearly defined or identified. Example: "In the experiment, we need to focus on a specific object to ensure accurate results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was a specific object, with spatiotemporal location.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Phobia, an extreme, irrational fear of a specific object or situation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A camera trained on a specific object can be programmed to sound an alarm at any shift in the object's outline.

The New York Times - Arts

All the rights that the seller has in a specific object are transferred to the buyer in return for the latter's paying the purchase price to the seller.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In most countries, ownership in a specific object is transferred with the conclusion of the contract of sale unless the parties agree otherwise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are also usually more modest in scale and ambition, and more intimate: the artist carefully observing and rendering a specific object or the outline of a larger scene.

The New York Times

She is the only female victim depicted in the "Interrogation" cycle, and she inevitably comes off as a general symbol of male oppression as well as a specific object of terrorism in a particular situation.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a love song without a specific object — maybe just the idea of beauty itself — and as she sang the opening line "coisa linda" ("beautiful thing"), she won twice.

The New York Times - Arts

When I read a book, I'm handling a specific object in a specific time and place … Someone worked really hard to make the language just right, just the way they wanted it.

The Guardian - Books

In 1987 Kajita was part of the team that used Kamiokande-II to detect neutrinos from Supernova 1987A, which was the first time neutrinos had been observed from a specific object other than the Sun.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Each design element refers to a specific object or situation; but the application of the reference in its context of the general design, and its relation to myth, is known only to its clan proprietors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific object", ensure the context makes clear what object you are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient details or a clear antecedent.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific object" without providing enough context for the reader to understand which object you are referring to. Overuse can also lead to wordiness; sometimes, a more direct noun is preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific object" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples show its broad applicability in various grammatical roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific object" is a versatile noun phrase used to refer to a clearly defined item or entity, commonly appearing in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. To enhance clarity in your writing, always ensure that the context adequately identifies the specific object being referenced. While alternatives like "a particular item" or "a defined object" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular item

Replaces "object" with a synonym and maintains the specificity.

a defined object

Focuses on the object being clearly defined rather than just specific.

a designated entity

Uses a more formal term than "object", suitable for certain contexts.

a concrete element

Emphasizes the tangibility of the object.

a selected item

Highlights the act of choosing a particular object.

a chosen thing

A more informal way of expressing the selection of an object.

a precise subject

Shifts the focus to the object as a subject of attention or study.

a pinpointed element

Emphasizes accuracy and focus on the item.

a discrete item

Highlights the object's distinctness and separateness.

a distinct object

Highlights the object's unique characteristic.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific object" when you want to refer to a particular item or entity that is clearly defined within the context of your writing. For example: "The study focused on the properties of "a specific object" within the sample."

What are some alternatives to "a specific object"?

You can use alternatives like "a particular item", "a defined object", or "a designated entity" depending on the level of formality and the context.

Is it redundant to say "a specific object"?

While "specific" can sometimes be implied, using "a specific object" can emphasize that you are referring to a particular, well-defined item, rather than a general category. The redundancy depends on the clarity of the surrounding context.

What's the difference between "a specific object" and "a particular object"?

"A specific object" and "a particular object" are often interchangeable. However, "specific" can imply more detail or precision in identification, while "particular" simply denotes one among many.