a specific record

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific record" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular entry or piece of information within a larger set of data or documentation. Example: "Please provide a specific record of the transactions made last month for our review."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"I don't know about making another Neon Neon album because it was quite a specific record about DeLorean's life story.

The Guardian - Music

The typical nature of a physiotherapy treatment requires a specific record structure to be implemented, with special attention to user-friendliness and communication with other healthcare providers.

International Journal of Medical Informatics

After a specific record has been chosen, the related product model is displayed, and it can be aligned with the current product model for the ease of comparison and evaluation.

Computer-Aided Design

She had invited a local keyboard player to come along; together, they were scheduled to record half a dozen snippets of music, each meant to evoke a specific mood or, in some cases, a specific record that the producers didn't want to pay for.

The New Yorker

"Why are people buying a specific record?

BBC

The name of the table along with indicative key is for a specific record is provided.

Journal of Cloud Computing: Advances, Systems and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Respighi asked that a specific recording of a nightingale be played at the end of the movement.

Britannica

Finding classical music on Spotify is easy; finding a specific recording, on the other hand, can feel like anything but.

The New York Times - Arts

The problem is the CD display racks, which seem to have been designed by interior decorators and surely not by anyone who understood anything about finding a specific recording.

The New York Times

The use of a specific recording instrument suitable for children seems to be the most appropriate method for assessing the amount of liquids consumed and the amount of water volumes [ 43, 44].

BMC Public Health

Discogs thrives on file searches people who have a very specific record in mind and either want to learn about it or buy it.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, follow "a specific record" with details that clarify the record's nature or purpose. For example: "a specific record, such as the patient's medical history".

Common error

Avoid using "a specific record" when "any record" or "all records" would be more accurate. Ensure that the context genuinely requires a focus on one particular record.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific record" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a particular entry within a set of data, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific record" is a noun phrase used to denote a particular piece of data within a set, and according to Ludwig is grammatically correct. It finds common usage in science and news & media, offering a way to emphasize particular entries for various analytical or informative purposes. While alternatives like "a particular record" or "an identified record" exist, the choice depends on the precise nuance you wish to convey. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context illuminates what sets the record apart to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular record

Replaces "specific" with "particular", emphasizing the distinctness of the record.

a designated record

Substitutes "specific" with "designated", highlighting that the record was chosen for a particular purpose.

a precise record

Replaces "specific" with "precise", which emphasizes accuracy and detail in the record.

a selected record

Replaces "specific" with "selected", indicating the record was chosen from a group.

a certain record

Swaps "specific" for "certain", denoting a record known or identified but not explicitly named.

an identified record

Emphasizes that the record is not generic, it has been found.

a detailed record

Changes "specific" to "detailed" which focuses on the level of information contained within the record.

the exact record

Replace "a specific" with "the exact", denotes that the record is not only specific, but perfectly accurate.

a distinct record

Using distinct to communicate that it is clearly recognizable.

a unique record

Focuses on how this record is unlike any other.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific record" to refer to a particular entry in a database, log, or any collection of data. For example, "The auditor requested "a specific record" of all transactions over $10,000."

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

While similar, "a specific record" emphasizes that the record is clearly defined, whereas "a particular record" ("a particular record") simply means one record as opposed to others. The terms are often interchangeable.

When is it better to say "the specific record" instead of "a specific record"?

Use "the specific record" when referring to a record that has already been identified or is uniquely defined within the current context. "A specific record" is used when introducing it for the first time or when it is one of several possible specific records.

Are there any formal alternatives to using "a specific record"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a designated record" or "an identified record" ("an identified record"). These alternatives provide a more precise and professional tone, particularly in technical or legal documents.