a specific word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific word" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular term or vocabulary item that is distinct from others. Example: "In this context, we need to focus on a specific word that captures the essence of the argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You had a specific word".

The New Yorker

"I don't remember a specific word," she said.

The New York Times

But Holmes didn't have a specific word for the in-between wife, as Whitney recalled.

The New York Times - Magazine

But if there isn't a specific word, there jolly well should be.

The Guardian - Film

Every developing region I've worked in has a specific word for influence or connections.

Harvard Business Review

Furthermore, a specific word was encoded using the standard ASCII character code.

Organic Electronics

Likewise, people trying not to think of a specific word continually blurt it out during rapid-fire word-association tests.

The New York Times - Health

For instance, you could search for a file created within a date range that contains a specific word.

The New York Times - Tech

That Brazilians have coined such a specific word testifies to their physical warmth, sense of touch and obsession with hair.

The Economist

And when I did that, explaining the meaning of a specific word or context, that made me realize how much it doesn't make sense".

The Guardian

"And Kenny knew where each new speech had to start, on a specific word of another character's speech," Ms. Anderman said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific word", ensure the context makes it clear why that particular word is important or relevant. This avoids vagueness and strengthens your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific word" simply as filler. If the specificity isn't crucial, consider using a more general term or rephrasing the sentence for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific word" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "specific" modifies the noun "word". It serves to highlight that the discussion concerns a particular, identifiable word rather than words in general, as Ludwig AI shows.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific word" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the importance of a particular word within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage spans across diverse fields, from news and media to science and academia. While alternatives like "a particular word" or "a precise word" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context justifies the specificity to enhance clarity. By avoiding overuse as filler and focusing on relevant application, writers can leverage the power of "a specific word" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular word

Emphasizes the distinctness of the word being referred to.

a certain word

Indicates that the word is known but not necessarily specified.

a designated word

Suggests the word has been pre-selected for a specific purpose.

a chosen word

Highlights the act of selecting a word from many possibilities.

a precise word

Implies the word is accurate and exactly suitable for the context.

an exact word

Stresses the need for accuracy in word choice.

a technical term

Refers to a word with a specialized meaning within a field.

a key term

Indicates a word that's central or important to a subject.

a keyword

Indicates the word is used to search in an informative retrieval system.

a term

Generic term to specify a word with particular meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific word" when you need to emphasize that you are referring to a particular term, for example: "The meaning hinges on "a specific word" within the contract".

What are some alternatives to "a specific word"?

Alternatives include "a particular word", "a certain word", or "a precise word", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to identify "a specific word" when discussing terminology?

No, it isn't always necessary. Use "a specific word" when the particular word choice is critical to the point you're making. Otherwise, a more general term like "term" or "phrase" might suffice.

What's the difference between "a specific word" and "a single word"?

"A specific word" implies that there's a particular word you're referring to, emphasizing its importance. "A single word" simply highlights that only one word is needed or used, without necessarily stressing its importance.