highly specific for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly specific for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is very precise or tailored to a particular purpose or condition. Example: "The test results were highly specific for the disease, indicating a strong correlation between the symptoms and the diagnosis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The adaptive immune system marshals antibodies and T cells that are highly specific for a particular pathogen.

The New York Times

The enzyme, glucose oxidase, is highly specific for β-D-glucose. of compounds called aldonic acids.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This sign is highly specific for pituitary apoplexy.

Insights into Imaging

Therefore, the developed method is to be considered highly specific for intended use.

Chemistry Central Journal

Therefore, the developed method can be considered highly specific for intended use.

Chemistry Central Journal

Compstatin blocks cleavage of C3 and highly specific for C3 binding [97].

Autoimmunity Highlights

Painful trigeminal stimuli were applied using a specialized electrode highly specific for nociception.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Very few PPPs are highly specific for a few target species only.

Environmental Sciences Europe

The lung point is a fundamental ultrasonographic sign highly specific for confirming pneumothorax [27].

Critical Ultrasound Journal

The assay was highly specific for PCV3, without cross-reactions with other non-targeted pig viruses.

Journal of Virological Methods

A new polymeric material (Patent: P201400535) highly specific for mercury is presented.

Analytica Chimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly specific for", ensure the context clearly defines what is being specified. Vague references can diminish the phrase's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "highly specific for" when describing broadly applicable concepts. This phrase is most effective when describing precise relationships or characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly specific for" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that something is particularly selective or tailored to a specific purpose or entity. This usage is supported by examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

85%

News & Media

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "highly specific for" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, primarily utilized to denote a strong, precise relationship between two entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is prevalent across various domains, notably in scientific and technical literature where accuracy is paramount. While the phrase is deemed correct, being mindful of overgeneralization helps maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "particularly specific for" or "precisely targeted at" can offer nuanced expressions, yet the original phrase remains a robust choice in conveying exactitude and targeted precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particularly specific for

Uses "particularly" instead of "highly" to slightly soften the emphasis on specificity.

very specific for

Employs "very" as a more common synonym for "highly", reducing the formality.

strongly specific for

Replaces "highly" with "strongly", suggesting a robust specificity.

uniquely tailored to

Shifts from specificity to tailoring, highlighting a custom fit or purpose.

precisely targeted at

Focuses on the precision of targeting, implying accuracy in application.

especially selective for

Emphasizes the selective nature, indicating a preference or discrimination.

specifically designed for

Highlights the intentional design for a particular purpose, moving away from inherent specificity.

exclusively intended for

Indicates sole purpose. The term is stricter in the context of exclusivity.

highly selective toward

Similar to "especially selective for", but uses "toward" instead of "for".

particularly indicative of

Moves away from specificity to indicate that it serves as a strong indicator of something.

FAQs

How can I use "highly specific for" in a sentence?

You can use "highly specific for" to describe something that is precisely tailored or targeted towards a particular purpose or entity. For instance, "This antibody is highly specific for a certain protein."

What are some alternatives to "highly specific for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "particularly specific for", "very specific for", or "precisely targeted at", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "highly specific to" grammatically correct instead of "highly specific for"?

While "highly specific for" is more common and generally preferred, "highly specific to" can also be used, though it may sound slightly less natural to some. Both prepositions can function similarly, but "for" often implies purpose or targeting, whereas "to" implies a relationship or association.

What does it mean when something is described as "highly specific for" a particular condition or substance?

It means that the thing being described (such as a test, antibody, or treatment) is very accurate and precise in identifying or interacting with that particular condition or substance, with minimal chance of reacting with anything else.