a specific person

USAGE SUMMARY

"a specific person" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The teacher asked for a specific person to help with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How would they feel and react to a specific person/ personality?

WikiHow

"Not a specific person.

The New Yorker

Spear phishing – a specialised attack targeted on a specific person.

The Guardian

Asking a specific person for help isn't without cost, either.

The New York Times

Was there a specific person you modeled U.H. after?

The New York Times

Shipping is $14 if addressed to a specific person, free if in a general group shipment.

The New York Times

A specific threat of violence against a specific person can be made a crime.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The billboard depicts an idea, not a specific person," Saltsman said, defending the ad.

The Guardian - Business

"They have been of people who have a particular vendetta against a specific person".

The New York Times

If you have a question for a specific person, please precede it with that person's name.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Focus on the process," he said, "not on a specific person.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal contexts, be precise when referring to "a specific person" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Ensure that when you use the phrase "a specific person", it's clear from the context who you are referring to. If the person hasn't been introduced yet, provide enough context to identify them clearly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific person" functions as a noun phrase acting as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun. It serves to single out an individual from a larger group, indicating that the reference is not general but directed towards one particular individual. This aligns with Ludwig's AI statement that the phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

24%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific person" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to clearly identify an individual. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness for use in written English. It's prevalent in news, wiki, and scientific contexts, requiring you to ensure clear context and avoid vagueness when employing it. Alternatives like "a particular individual" or "a certain individual" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to maintain clarity in your writing and provide sufficient context when referring to "a specific person".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular individual

Replaces "person" with "individual" and "specific" with "particular" to convey a similar level of detail.

a certain individual

Substitutes "specific" with "certain", suggesting a known but not necessarily named person.

a definite person

Uses "definite" in place of "specific", emphasizing clarity and precision about the person.

a known person

Focuses on the aspect of familiarity or recognition of the person.

a designated person

Implies that the person has been officially or formally selected.

an identified person

Highlights that the person's identity has been established.

a named person

Indicates that the person has been explicitly mentioned or identified by name.

a distinct person

Emphasizes the unique qualities that set the person apart.

a precise person

Focuses on the accuracy and exactness in identifying the person.

a selected person

Indicates that the person was chosen from a group.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific person" when you need to refer to an individual with clear identity. For example: "The investigation is focused on "a specific person" within the organization".

What are some alternatives to "a specific person"?

Alternatives include "a particular individual", "a certain individual", or "a definite person", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a specific person" or "a particular person"?

Both "a specific person" and "a particular person" are correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context, but "specific" often implies a slightly greater degree of exactness.

When should I avoid using "a specific person"?

Avoid using "a specific person" if the context requires you to be vague or non-committal about the individual's identity. In such cases, phrases like "someone" or "an individual" may be more appropriate.