a specific type of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a specific type of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is distinct or unique in comparison to other items of the same type. For example, "This is a specific type of flower that is not found anywhere else in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is about football, but a specific type of football.

The Guardian - Sport

Each segment represents a specific type of information.

Harvard University

You can say that a specific type of event is more likely".

The Guardian

The laborers were specialized, said Mahdavi, each gathering a specific type of waste.

The Guardian

If you require a specific type of program, this is essential.

The Guardian - Tech

Is there a specific type of young person that Mexico City gives birth to?

The New Yorker

What characteristics help or hinder each gender in a specific type of athletic activity?

The New York Times

But Wildlife Art, with capital letters, denotes a specific type of contemporary painting and sculpture.

The New York Times - Arts

However, it's clear that the organisation want a specific type of person with the right attitude.

The Guardian

A tenson is a specific type of débat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fretting is considered as a specific type of reciprocating sliding.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a specific type of" to clearly distinguish a particular item or concept from more general categories. For example, instead of saying "I need a car", specify "I need a specific type of sports car".

Common error

Avoid using "a specific type of" when a more precise term exists. For instance, instead of saying "a specific type of red flower", use "a cardinal flower" if that's the exact flower you mean.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific type of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it belongs to a particular, well-defined category. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific type of" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for indicating a particular category or kind. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It is effective in various contexts, including news, academia, and science, helping to refine broad categories into more precise selections. When writing, use "a specific type of" to avoid overgeneralizations and ensure clarity. Consider alternatives like "a particular kind of" or "a distinct variety of" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular kind of

Replaces "type" with "kind", offering a slightly more informal tone.

a precise form of

Substitutes "type" with "form", emphasizing accuracy and exactness.

a distinct variety of

Uses "variety" instead of "type", highlighting the diversity within a broader category.

a specialized sort of

Replaces "specific" with "specialized" and "type" with "sort", suggesting expertise or a narrow application.

a definite class of

Employs "class" in place of "type", indicating a formal classification or grouping.

a unique brand of

Substitutes "type" with "brand", often used for abstract qualities or styles.

a certain category of

Replaces "specific" with "certain" and "type" with "category", indicating a defined group.

a selected genre of

Uses "genre" instead of "type", typically applied to artistic or cultural forms.

an individual strain of

Employs "strain" in place of "type", often used in scientific or biological contexts.

an exclusive grade of

Replaces "specific" with "exclusive" and "type" with "grade", suggesting high quality or rarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific type of" to narrow down a broad category. For example, "I'm looking for "a specific type of camera" for wildlife photography".

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

While similar, "a specific type of" implies a more precise or defined category compared to "a particular type of", which can be slightly more general.

Is it redundant to say "a specific type of type"?

Yes, using "type" twice in such close proximity is generally redundant. Rephrase to be more concise, such as "a particular kind".

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

You can use alternatives like "a certain kind of", "a distinct variety of", or "a specialized sort of" depending on the nuance you want to convey.