gave specific example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave specific example" is not correct as it is missing an article.
It should be "gave a specific example" or "gave specific examples" depending on the context. You can use it when referring to a particular instance or illustration that clarifies a point or argument. Example: "In her presentation, she gave a specific example of how the new policy improved employee productivity."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The highlighting of core concepts, with clear explanations, aided me in the reading of many chapters... .. Some students even gave specific example of where the instructor's notes helped them the most.

International Journal of STEM Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Of the four, three gave specific examples that they could possibly acquiesce to.

The New York Times

"No, those were minor compared with Romney's," Krugman said, when Karl gave specific examples.

Huffington Post

N gave specific examples: "The freedom to take your medication without anyone asking you why you have to do this.

BMC Nephrology

Respondents frequently gave specific examples to show how MESH helped them replace "bad" practices with stronger routine systems that allow them provide better and more efficient care.

BMC Health Services Research

We gave specific examples of how both alleles of the COMT and 5- HTTLPR polymorphisms, through different mechanisms, might form a risk factor for different externalizing behaviors.

Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review

Jan Snoeys (Janssen) provided an overview of PBPK in drug development and two additional presenters gave specific examples of the use of PBPK in industry.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

Some gave specific examples of personally experiencing or feeling the effects of diabetes-related stigma, while others described it as something they perceived in society generally or that others with T2DM experienced.

BMJ Open

They don't know where to start with, they don't know who to ask or what to do.' The Asian Indian group gave specific examples of difficulties associated with lack of understanding of religious and cultural differences.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Yet neither was prepared to give specific example.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Give specific examples of individual stories whenever possible).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "gave a specific example" or "gave specific examples" to ensure grammatical correctness. The inclusion of the article 'a' or the plural form 'examples' improves clarity and adherence to standard English.

Common error

Avoid using "gave specific example" without the article "a" or pluralizing the noun. This omission leads to grammatically incorrect sentences. For example, instead of writing "The speaker gave specific example", write "The speaker gave a specific example" or "The speaker gave specific examples".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave specific example" functions as a verbal phrase aiming to illustrate or substantiate a point. However, as pointed out by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically incorrect and requires an article to be correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "gave specific example" appears in various contexts, it is grammatically incorrect and requires either the addition of the article "a" (for a single instance) or pluralization ("gave specific examples"). Ludwig AI highlights this grammatical issue. Correct usage enhances clarity and credibility, especially in formal or academic writing. Therefore, it's advisable to use "gave a specific example" or "gave specific examples" to ensure adherence to standard English grammar. This adjustment improves the phrase's effectiveness in illustrating points and supporting arguments. While found in News & Media and Scientific articles, it is recommended to correct this phrase to enhance credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provided a specific illustration

Replaces "gave" with "provided" and "example" with "illustration", maintaining the singular form and adding the article "a".

offered a concrete instance

Substitutes "gave" with "offered", "specific" with "concrete", and "example" with "instance", retaining a formal tone.

cited a particular case

Replaces "gave" with "cited", "specific" with "particular", and "example" with "case", suggesting a more formal reference to evidence.

detailed an explicit situation

Changes "gave" to "detailed", "specific" to "explicit", and "example" to "situation", emphasizing the thoroughness of the description.

presented a clear-cut scenario

Replaces "gave" with "presented", "specific" with "clear-cut", and "example" with "scenario", indicating a well-defined situation.

shared a telling anecdote

Substitutes "gave" with "shared", "specific" with "telling", and "example" with "anecdote", focusing on a brief, revealing story.

mentioned a relevant episode

Changes "gave" to "mentioned", "specific" to "relevant", and "example" to "episode", suggesting a brief and pertinent occurrence.

related a precise incident

Replaces "gave" with "related", "specific" with "precise", and "example" with "incident", highlighting accuracy in the account.

illustrated a unique circumstance

Substitutes "gave" with "illustrated", "specific" with "unique", and "example" with "circumstance", emphasizing the individuality of the case.

offered detailed instances

Substitutes "gave" with "offered" and "example" with "instances" in the plural form, adding more emphasis to the presence of more than one instance.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "gave specific example"?

The phrase "gave specific example" is grammatically incorrect. The correct forms are "gave a specific example" when referring to one instance, or "gave specific examples" when referring to multiple instances.

What are some alternatives to "gave a specific example"?

You can use alternatives like "provided a specific illustration", "offered a concrete instance", or "cited a particular case" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "gave specific example" or "gave specific examples"?

"Gave specific examples" is correct when referring to multiple instances. "Gave specific example" is incorrect; you should use "gave a specific example" for a single instance.

When should I use "gave a specific example" versus "gave specific examples"?

Use "gave a specific example" when you are referring to one particular instance. Use "gave specific examples" when you are referring to multiple instances that illustrate a point.