a specific segment of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific segment of" 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 research, analysis, or discussion. 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

31 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

29 human-written examples

But know using the term is about mobilizing a specific segment [of women].

Huffington Post

If there are any doubts, it is possible to consult the UCSC website to determine the relevance of a specific segment; to see the accumulated view, simply click on the segment and then select OK for the UCSC option for either the complete segment of the patient or the minimum region into which each segment has been resegmented.

BioMed Research International

Therefore, the increased perfusion observed in both lung bases was likely not associated with a predominance of fibrosis in any specific segment of the lung.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific segment of", ensure the context clearly defines the larger group from which the segment is drawn to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that characteristics of "a specific segment of" a population apply to the entire population. Always acknowledge that findings related to a segment may not be universally applicable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific segment of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a particular portion or section of something larger. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a specific segment of" is a versatile tool for denoting a distinct portion of a larger entity. Ludwig's analysis shows it to be grammatically correct and commonly used in science, news, and business contexts. Related phrases, such as "a particular portion of" and "a distinct subset of", offer similar precision. To ensure clarity, define the larger group when using this phrase and avoid overgeneralizing findings from the segment to the entire group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular portion of

Replaces "segment" with "portion", slightly altering the emphasis while retaining the core meaning.

a distinct subset of

Substitutes "segment" with "subset", emphasizing that it's part of a larger set.

a defined section of

Uses "section" instead of "segment", which maintains the idea of a part of something larger.

a selected part of

Emphasizes the act of choosing a particular portion.

a precise fraction of

Replaces "segment" with "fraction", implying a numerical proportion.

a unique portion of

Highlights the individuality of that portion.

a tailored piece of

Suggests that the segment is customized or adapted for a specific purpose.

a designated component of

Uses "component" to emphasize its function as part of a greater whole.

a specialized slice of

Uses "slice" metaphorically to represent a portion.

a representative sample of

Implies the segment accurately reflects the whole.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific segment of" to refer to a defined portion of a larger whole. For example, "The marketing campaign targeted "a specific segment of" the population aged 18-25".

What are some alternatives to using "a specific segment of"?

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

Is it redundant to say "a specific segment of a specific group"?

While not grammatically incorrect, it may be more concise to rephrase as "a specific segment within a group" to avoid repetition and enhance clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "a specific segment of" versus "the entire group"?

Use "a specific segment of" when your discussion pertains only to a portion of the group, rather than the group as a whole. This clarifies the scope and prevents generalizations.