a specific sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular amount of money or numerical value in a financial context. Example: "The contract stipulates that the payment must be made in a specific sum agreed upon by both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The group has not endorsed a specific sum.

The New York Times

The compromise reached today would set up seven broad accounts in the conservation fund and allocate a specific sum that could be spent in each.

The New York Times

Instead of naming a specific sum that will go into a trust, many wills refer to an amount up to the exemption or express the sum as a percentage of whatever the limit happens to be when the person dies.

The New York Times

Because my family never talked about money (something strictly forbidden by our bible, written by Emily Post), I was ignorant of a specific sum.

The New York Times

BUY LIFE INSURANCE Term insurance, which pays a specific sum if you die within a certain term, like the next 20 years, is usually the cheapest and most efficient avenue.

The New York Times

Abraham said that Channel 4 has not earmarked a specific sum of money for investment into independent production companies, which will be funnelled through what is called the C4 Growth Fund, and the broadcaster will not invest in launching start ups.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Ministers are not expected to agree on any specific sum for a Greek bailout.

The New York Times

Kids are going to read the book and ask, Yeah, but what's a tollbooth?" The other is that, though we know the trip costs something — you enter through a tollbooth, after all — the specific sum Milo pays, the tuition for his liberal education, is never calculated in numbers or defined in words.

The New Yorker

(While cutting significantly into the houses' potential profits, this was far less risky than guaranteeing a specific cash sum).

The New York Times - Arts

Office-based ENT physicians and office-based pediatric audiologists receive a specific lump sum in addition to the costs of the tests.

BMC Health Services Research

EMD working principle is by decomposing the time-series signal into a specific finite sum of the components based on the considerable frequency ranges, called intrinsic mode functions (IMFs).

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a specific sum" in financial or legal contexts, ensure that the amount is clearly defined and documented to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific sum" when the amount is actually approximate or variable. Use more appropriate language like "an estimated amount" or "around" when precision is not possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific sum" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples show it denoting a precise quantity of money or resources. It is used to identify a particular amount, distinguishing it from a general or unspecified quantity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a specific sum" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that denotes a precise quantity, especially in financial contexts. According to Ludwig, it effectively conveys clarity and exactness. It's frequently found in News & Media and Scientific publications, also in Formal & Business scenarios. Alternatives such as "a particular amount" or "a fixed sum" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. When employing this phrase, ensure that the amount is clearly defined to avoid any potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular amount

Replaces 'specific' with 'particular', emphasizing a defined quantity.

a fixed sum

Replaces 'specific' with 'fixed', highlighting the unchanging nature of the amount.

a definite amount

Replaces 'specific' with 'definite', stressing the clarity and precision of the amount.

a precise figure

Substitutes 'sum' with 'figure', implying a numerical representation.

a set amount

Replaces 'specific' with 'set', indicating an amount that has been pre-determined.

a designated sum

Replaces 'specific' with 'designated', suggesting the amount was assigned for a particular purpose.

a determined sum

Emphasizes that the sum has been calculated or decided upon.

a stated amount

Highlights the fact that the amount has been explicitly mentioned.

a given amount

Indicates the amount is already known or provided.

a concrete amount

Replaces 'specific' with 'concrete', suggesting a tangible or measurable amount.

FAQs

How to use "a specific sum" in a sentence?

You can use "a specific sum" to refer to a particular amount of money, for example: "The contract stated that "a specific sum" would be paid upon completion of the project."

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

Alternatives include "a particular amount", "a fixed sum", or "a definite amount" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "a specific sum" or "a particular amount"?

"A specific sum" and "a particular amount" are generally interchangeable in formality. The best choice depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.

When should I avoid using "a specific sum"?

Avoid using "a specific sum" if the amount is not precisely known or is subject to change. In such cases, use less definite terms like "an approximate amount" or "a range of values".