his specialty

USAGE SUMMARY

"his specialty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could say, "John is a skilled carpenter, but his specialty is making furniture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Uproar was his specialty.

The New York Times

It wasn't his specialty.

The New Yorker

HAMM: Every man his specialty.

The New Yorker

Deterring identification was his specialty.

The New York Times

"His specialty was oracle bones.

The New Yorker

His specialty is grass.

The New York Times - Sports

That was his specialty".

The New York Times - Arts

(Healthy living was never his specialty).

The New Yorker

His specialty is anti-immigrant legislation.

The New Yorker

That seems to be his specialty.

The New York Times

His specialty, though, was Mongolia.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "his specialty" when referring to a specific area of expertise or skill in which someone excels. For example, "Although he is a general practitioner, his specialty is cardiology".

Common error

Avoid confusing "his specialty" with "he's specialty". The former indicates possession (the specialty belonging to him), while the latter is a grammatically incorrect contraction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "his specialty" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It specifies a particular skill, area of expertise, or talent that belongs to the individual referred to by "his". The examples in Ludwig showcase its use in defining what someone is particularly good at.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "his specialty" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote an individual's area of expertise or skill. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media sources, maintaining a neutral to professional tone. Alternative phrases such as "his area of expertise" or "his forte" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and nuance. Remember to avoid the common error of using "he's specialty" in place of the correct possessive form, "his specialty". In essence, this phrase is a straightforward and effective way to highlight someone's particular talent or skill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

his area of expertise

Focuses on formal expertise rather than a general skill.

his forte

Implies a particular strength or talent.

his strong suit

Suggests a skill where he excels.

his special skill

Highlights a specific, notable skill.

his main talent

Emphasizes a primary, inherent ability.

his unique ability

Highlights a specific, notable skill.

what he's known for

Focuses on public perception and reputation.

his domain

Suggests an area where he has control or mastery.

his element

Implies a comfortable and proficient environment or skill.

his calling

Suggests a vocation or deeply felt purpose.

FAQs

How to use "his specialty" in a sentence?

You can use "his specialty" to indicate someone's primary area of expertise or skill. For example, "While he's proficient in many areas, "his specialty" is data analysis".

What can I say instead of "his specialty"?

You can use alternatives like "his area of expertise", "his forte", or "his strong suit" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he's specialty" instead of "his specialty"?

No, "he's specialty" is grammatically incorrect. "He's" is a contraction of "he is" or "he has", while ""his specialty"" correctly indicates possession.

What's the difference between "his specialty" and "his specialization"?

"His specialty" refers to a particular skill or area of expertise, whereas "his specialization" refers to a specific field of study or training. They are often interchangeable, but "specialty" is more informal.