a specific question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular inquiry that requires a detailed or focused response. Example: "In order to clarify the topic, I would like to ask a specific question about the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Have a specific question?

Harvard University

I'm not sure you asked me a specific question.

The New York Times - Magazine

(Be sure to articulate a specific question here).

The New York Times

You have a specific question that warrants a specific answer.

Yale University

I just mostly it's not a specific question.

Cornell University

You have a specific question that testing can help answer.

Cornell University

And if you have a specific question, ask our expert!

The New York Times

They're somewhat sophisticated and may have a specific question they want an answer to".

The New York Times - Health

"So I would go to him when I had a specific question.

The New York Times

COLL: Amjad asked a specific question about whether the coalition has a position about the treaty.

The New Yorker

Mueller and his team were looking at a specific question through a legal lens.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking information, formulate "a specific question" to guide your research and ensure relevant answers. Avoid broad or vague inquiries.

Common error

Avoid asking general questions that yield unhelpful responses. Always refine your inquiries to be "a specific question" so you receive targeted and actionable information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific question" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object or complement in a sentence. It introduces a direct inquiry that requires a focused or detailed answer. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

35%

News & Media

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific question" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that denotes a focused and direct inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, including academia, news, and science. The phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal settings. To maximize clarity and effectiveness, it is crucial to use "a specific question" to guide conversations and research, ensuring targeted and actionable responses. By avoiding vague inquiries and refining your questions, you can unlock precise information and achieve your desired outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular query

Uses "query" instead of "question", implying a more formal or investigative tone.

a precise inquiry

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of the question being asked.

a targeted question

Highlights that the question is aimed at a specific point or issue.

a focused inquiry

Stresses the concentrated nature of the question.

a detailed question

Indicates that the question requires a thorough and comprehensive answer.

a pointed question

Suggests the question is direct and potentially challenging.

a direct question

Implies the question is straightforward and unambiguous.

a clear question

Highlights the lack of ambiguity in the question.

a limited question

Suggests the question has a narrow scope or focus.

a circumscribed question

Implies the question is carefully defined and limited in scope.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific question" to introduce a direct inquiry, for example, "I have "a specific question" about the budget allocation."

What is an alternative to saying "a specific question"?

You can use alternatives such as "a particular query", "a precise inquiry", or "a targeted question" depending on the context.

Is it better to ask "a specific question" or a general one?

It's generally more effective to ask "a specific question" as it helps to focus the response and obtain more relevant information. General questions often lead to vague or unhelpful answers.

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

"A specific question" is focused and clearly defined, while "a general question" is broad and may lack a clear focus. The former is more likely to yield a precise and useful answer, whereas the latter might result in a broad overview or unfocused response.