an specific

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an specific" is not correct in written English.
The correct article to use before "specific" is "a," as "specific" begins with a consonant sound. Example: "I have a specific request regarding the project timeline."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Each treatment specifically up-regulated an specific set of transcription factors.

BMC Genomics

However these operations do not have an specific semantics.

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

The LAVH should be considered as an specific surgical approach with its own distinctive indication.

Gynecological Surgery

In the experiments, the robot must identify an specific person between groups of three people.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Different structures in an specific loop are applied, because of the complexity of the whole system.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

We aimed to design an specific optimisation technique for these problems.

Applied Soft Computing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

A stiletto is a specific style.

The New York Times - Magazine

Normally, a fraction indicates a specific quotient.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Obtain a degree in a specific subject.

WikiHow

We're piloting a specific medicine for a specific disease".

The New York Times

"Not a specific person.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "a specific" instead of "an specific". The article "a" is used before words that start with a consonant sound.

Common error

Avoid using "an" before words starting with a consonant sound. Remember the rule: "an" precedes vowel sounds, while "a" precedes consonant sounds. A simple check can prevent this common error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an specific" is intended to function as a determiner followed by an adjective, modifying a noun. However, due to the incorrect use of the article "an" before a word beginning with a consonant sound, it is grammatically flawed. Ludwig indicates this error.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an specific" is grammatically incorrect because the article "an" should only be used before words that begin with a vowel sound. As Ludwig highlights, the correct phrase is "a specific". When aiming to specify a particular instance, remember to use the correct article to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing. Alternatives like "a particular" or "a certain" can also be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific

Corrects the grammatical error by using the appropriate article "a" before the consonant sound of "specific".

a particular

Replaces "specific" with a synonym, "particular", while maintaining a similar meaning and grammatical correctness.

a certain

Offers another synonym for "specific" that is grammatically sound.

one specific

Adds "one" for emphasis, highlighting a single instance with "specific".

a defined

Uses "defined" as a more formal alternative, implying clarity and precision.

a precise

Implies accuracy and exactness, similar to "specific" but with a focus on detail.

a selected

Suggests that something has been chosen or singled out.

a designated

Indicates something has been officially assigned or named.

a given

Implies a pre-determined or already established instance.

a unique

Highlights the distinctiveness or singularity of something.

FAQs

Why is it incorrect to say "an specific"?

The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. Since "specific" begins with a consonant sound, the correct article to use is "a". Therefore, the correct phrase is "a specific".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "an specific"?

Since "an specific" is grammatically incorrect, you should use "a specific". Other alternatives include "a particular" or "a certain".

How do I use "a specific" correctly in a sentence?

Use "a specific" to refer to a particular or definite instance. For example: "I need a specific example to understand this concept."

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

"A specific" refers to one instance out of many possible instances, whereas "the specific" refers to a particular instance that has already been identified or is understood in context.