a specific population

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific population" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a distinct group of individuals within a larger context, often in research or demographic discussions. Example: "The study focused on a specific population of teenagers aged 13 to 18 who live in urban areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In particular, a specific population of neural crest cells migrates to and populates developing cranial tissues.

Experimental Cell Research

"We're highly trained generalists for a specific population — like gerontologists," he said.

The New York Times - Health

a. Animal husbandry is the study of adult males in a specific population of animals.

The New York Times

Parkinson's involves a loss of a specific population of neurons -those that produce dopamineurons -those

MIT Technology Review

Are drugs that seek to serve a specific population changing our concept of race?

MIT Technology Review

Limited evidence exists on an effective process for developing and tailoring apps for a specific population.

Journal of Transport & Health

A sizing system classifies a specific population into homogeneous subgroups based on some key body dimensions.

Expert Systems with Applications

After running the experiment, the researchers deliver light to a specific population of neurons within the neural circuit.

Princeton University

Population pyramid, graphical representation of the age and sex composition of a specific population.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Funeral homes frequently cater to a specific population, whether based on the color of their skin, the country of their birth or the name of their God.

The New York Times

Choi, Y. P. & Priola, S. A. A specific population of abnormal prion protein aggregates is preferentially taken up by cells and disaggregated in a strain-dependent manner.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific population", ensure you clearly define the characteristics that make the population specific. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific population" when referring to broad, undefined groups. Instead, use more general terms like "people" or "individuals" unless you're referring to a clearly delineated subset.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific population" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts to denote a particular group with defined characteristics. It helps to narrow the focus of discussion or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

27%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific population" is a noun phrase used to refer to a clearly defined group within a larger context. It is grammatically correct and commonly used in various fields, including science, news, and academia. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across authoritative sources, emphasizing its role in specifying the focus of discussions or analyses. When using this phrase, ensure that the characteristics defining the population are clear. While alternatives like "a targeted group" or "a defined demographic" exist, the specific choice depends on the intended emphasis and context. Being precise avoids overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular demographic

Emphasizes the statistical characteristics of the group.

a defined subset

Highlights the group as a distinct part of a larger whole.

a targeted group

Suggests the population is the focus of a particular effort or study.

a select community

Implies a sense of shared interests or characteristics within the group.

a distinct segment

Focuses on the group as a separate and identifiable portion of a larger entity.

a designated cohort

Uses a more formal term often used in research contexts.

a specialized segment

Emphasizes the unique qualities or characteristics of the group.

a clearly defined group

Highlights the precise boundaries and characteristics of the population.

a circumscribed class

Indicates that the group is narrowly defined or limited in scope.

a delineated subsection

Suggests the population has been carefully and precisely marked off from a larger group.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific population" when you want to refer to a clearly defined group of individuals within a larger context. For example, "The study focused on "a specific population" of elderly patients with hypertension".

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

You can use alternatives like "a targeted group", "a defined demographic", or "a particular segment" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "specific population"?

While "population" can imply a defined group, using "specific" emphasizes the deliberate focus on a subset with particular characteristics. The choice depends on whether that emphasis is needed for clarity.

What's the difference between "a specific population" and "the general population"?

"A specific population" refers to a subset of individuals sharing common traits or circumstances, while "the general population" encompasses everyone without such specific qualifications. The former is more focused and defined.