a specific sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular understanding or interpretation of a concept or term. Example: "In a specific sense, the term 'freedom' can be understood as the absence of constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

There was a specific sense of obligation.

The Guardian

There's a specific sense of place.

The Washington Post

It's music rooted in a specific sense of time and place.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet a specific sense of characters never solidifies out of these whirlwind performances.

The New York Times

How does that play into your writing, in terms of giving it a specific sense of place?

The New Yorker

By the end of the 5th century, however, in the course of growing ecclesiastical centralization, it acquired a specific sense.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It is revealed that a specific sensing performance is easily realized by changing the coil geometry and its feature size.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

When functionalized properly, one of the areas can be used as a specific sensing channel for detection of specific bio-interactions and the other can act as a reference channel for compensation for background refractive index fluctuations.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

Each surface area which is modified with a specific sensing chemistry exhibits spatial inhomogeneity and can hence be treated similar to a sensor array, provided the possibility to extract localized information about the sensor response.

Electrochemistry Communications

An intermediate view is to grant reality to objects that have some spatial extension: not commonsense objects, but aggregations of atoms within the scope of a specific sense-sphere (Skt. āyatana, Tib. skye mched), such as, for the visual sense-sphere, patches of color.

SEP

Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces two AHLs as QS signal molecules, each acting as the autoinducer of a specific sensing and responding system: 3-oxo-C12-HSL acts on the las system and C4-HSL acts on the rhl system.

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity in your writing, use "a specific sense" to denote a precise understanding or interpretation of a concept, differentiating it from broader or more general understandings.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific sense" when the context already implies a particular meaning. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound redundant and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific sense" functions as a qualifier, adding precision to the noun it modifies. It's used to denote a particular understanding or interpretation, as shown in Ludwig's examples where it clarifies the meaning of obligation, place, or time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a specific sense" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for adding precision to your writing. According to Ludwig, it is used to narrow down meaning and ensure clarity. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears across various contexts, including news, academic papers, and scientific publications. Related phrases such as "a particular feeling" and "a precise understanding" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts. Be mindful to use it when clarity is needed, and avoid overuse in contexts where the meaning is already clear. This will keep your writing sharp and avoid unnecessary wordiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular feeling

Focuses on the emotional or intuitive aspect rather than a cognitive understanding.

a distinct impression

Emphasizes the impact or effect something has on one's mind.

a precise understanding

Highlights the accuracy and clarity of the comprehension.

a unique perspective

Stresses the individual and original nature of the viewpoint.

a definite awareness

Suggests a clear and certain recognition of something.

a concrete notion

Emphasizes the tangible and well-defined aspect of an idea.

a peculiar feeling

Highlights an unusual or strange emotional response.

a certain understanding

Implies a level of comprehension that may not be complete or fully articulated.

a particular meaning

Focuses specifically on the interpretation or definition of a term or concept.

a distinct flavor

Emphasizes a unique characteristic or quality that sets something apart.

FAQs

What does "a specific sense" mean?

The phrase "a specific sense" refers to a particular or distinct understanding, feeling, or interpretation of something. It's used to narrow down the meaning being conveyed.

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

You can use "a specific sense" to clarify the particular meaning you are referring to. For example: "In "a more specific sense", the term 'justice' refers to fairness in the distribution of resources."

What are some alternatives to "a specific sense"?

Some alternatives include "a particular feeling", "a distinct impression", or "a precise understanding", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a specific sense" or "a general sense"?

It depends on the context. "A specific sense" is appropriate when you want to focus on a particular meaning, while "a general sense" is used for broader interpretations.