a specific segment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific segment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a distinct part or portion of a larger whole, often in contexts like marketing, research, or analysis. Example: "In our study, we focused on a specific segment of the population to gather more accurate data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Second, the 2-subunit CENP-N/L complex binds directly to the CATD box, a specific segment of CENP-A that has been implicated in the epigenetic specification of centromeres (Carroll et al., 2009; Black and Cleveland, 2011; Hinshaw and Harrison, 2013).

eLife

Nearly everything in corporate marketing today is about brand name identification and appealing to a specific segment of the public.

The New York Times

Meanwhile East London University has aimed at a specific segment of the voluntary sector market with its MBA in Capacity Building.

The Guardian

Polymerase chain reaction, (PCR), a technique used to make numerous copies of a specific segment of DNA quickly and accurately.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Using a biochemical technology called polymerase chain reaction (hence PCR), the machines are used to identify a specific segment of DNA and make multiple copies of it.

The Economist

Whether explicitly or not, composition is thus subject to rules that represent the stylistic consensus of a specific segment of society at a given stage of cultural development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Netflix, on the other hand, can create a successful production just by targeting a very specific segment of a larger audience.

Huffington Post

By making the Lumia 1020 a superlative camera that has a phone attached, Nokia seems to be going after a very specific segment of the market: "prosumers" who want to take really good photos and have the connectivity that a smartphone provides.

The Guardian - Tech

In news designed to make a small, specific segment of the population feel very smug, researchers have discovered that 29-year-olds are more popular than any other age group.

The Guardian - Opinion

With GameCircle, Amazon is trying to improve a very specific segment of that ecosystem, though it's unclear at this point how many game developers will flock to their APIs.

TechCrunch

"This is a very specific segment of the homeless population," Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, the deputy mayor for health and human services, told The New York Times.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific segment", ensure the context clearly defines the larger group it's a part of. For example, "a specific segment of the market" should imply a well-defined market.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific segment" when referring to an entire group or population. This phrase implies a part, not the whole. For example, instead of saying "a specific segment of people enjoy music", specify the segment, such as "young adults".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific segment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or a direct object. It identifies a particular part or portion of a larger whole. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific segment" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that identifies a distinct portion of a larger group or whole. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it's appropriate across various registers, from scientific and academic writing to news and media. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly define the larger group being referenced to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "a particular portion" or "a distinct section" exist, the core meaning remains consistent. Avoiding overgeneralization is key, as this phrase always implies a part, not the entirety, of a population or group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular portion

Changes 'specific segment' to 'particular portion', emphasizing a distinct part.

a distinct section

Substitutes 'specific segment' with 'distinct section', highlighting the separateness of the part.

a defined part

Replaces 'specific segment' with 'defined part', focusing on the clarity of boundaries.

a certain fraction

Uses 'certain fraction' instead of 'specific segment', indicating a numerical portion of the whole.

a precise element

Changes 'specific segment' to 'precise element', emphasizing accuracy and detail.

a targeted sector

Replaces 'specific segment' with 'targeted sector', particularly suitable in marketing or business contexts.

a selected component

Uses 'selected component' instead of 'specific segment', highlighting choice and composition.

a designated area

Substitutes 'specific segment' with 'designated area', suitable when referring to physical or conceptual spaces.

a discrete unit

Changes 'specific segment' to 'discrete unit', emphasizing individuality and separability.

a specialized division

Replaces 'specific segment' with 'specialized division', suggesting a part with a particular function.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific segment" to refer to a distinct portion of a larger group or whole. For example, "The marketing campaign targeted "a specific segment" of the population interested in eco-friendly products."

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

You can use alternatives like "a particular portion", "a distinct section", or "a defined part" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a specific segment" in my writing?

It is appropriate to use "a specific segment" when you want to emphasize that you are referring to a clearly defined subset of a larger group or category. It is commonly used in contexts like market research, scientific studies, and data analysis.

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

The phrases ""a specific segment"" and "a particular segment" are largely interchangeable. Both indicate a distinct subset of a larger group. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.