it is not specific to

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "it is not specific to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to communicate that something applies to a general group or is not exclusive to one particular thing. For example: "This rule applies to all members of the organization; it is not specific to any one individual."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Prebuilt space -- because it is not specific to a particular tenants -- can easily be reused, Mr. Hoffman said.

The New York Times

The concept of life is formal in the sense that it is not specific to a certain substance or substrate.

Yale University

All this is good and should be defended against the threat of a narrowly defined education, but it is not specific to music.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not specific to 'language' in any sense that could be separated from 'thought', since whenever language is used referentially, thought is necessarily expressed in it.

Nature

"The draft code reflects the desire to increase sanctions and that four-year [ban] will take out somebody competing at the next Olympics, but it is not specific to the BOA or the Olympic movement.

Independent

Produced by the broadcast media union BECTU and Skillset (see next entry), it is not specific to science broadcasting.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

As a UK site aimed at graduates, it isn't specific to research, however the coverage in terms of countries and advice is impressive.

Science Magazine

This creates a challenging divide--and it isn't specific to only Austin.

Huffington Post

Public Trust has now happened in three different locations it's lost some of that site-specificity, also in the sense that it's not specific to my body anymore.

Vice

It's not specific to Chad.

The New York Times

It was not specific to any sexual orientation but was inclusive to the population.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is not specific to", follow it with a clear explanation of what the subject is related to or applicable to. This provides context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is not specific to" without clarifying the scope or applicability. Always explain what the subject is related to or applicable to, to avoid leaving the reader wondering about the intended meaning. Vague usage can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not specific to" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a particular attribute, characteristic, or condition is not exclusive to the subject being discussed. This clarifies the scope and prevents assumptions of unique association, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

31%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is not specific to" is a qualifier used to indicate that something isn't limited to a particular instance, but applies more broadly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used to generalize statements. Common alternatives include "it is not unique to" and "it is not limited to". In writing, it's crucial to provide context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. The phrase is common in science, news media, and academic contexts, reflecting its formal and analytical nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not peculiar to

Replaces "specific" with "peculiar", suggesting that something isn't unique or exclusive.

it is not limited to

Emphasizes that something extends beyond a particular boundary or scope.

it is not unique to

Indicates something is shared or common, rather than solely belonging to one thing.

it is not exclusive to

Highlights that something is accessible or applicable to others, not just a select few.

it is not restricted to

Suggests that access or application isn't confined to certain entities.

it is not confined to

Implies a lack of enclosure or restriction to a particular area or group.

it is applicable to all

Focuses on the universality of something, rather than its lack of specificity.

it applies generally to

Indicates a widespread application across various instances or cases.

it is common among

Suggests shared prevalence among different elements or groups.

it transcends

Highlights something going beyond limitations and boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "it is not specific to" in a sentence?

Use "it is not specific to" to indicate that something isn't limited to one particular thing. For instance, "This symptom is not specific to the flu; it can also indicate a cold".

What are some alternatives to "it is not specific to"?

You can use alternatives like "it is not unique to", "it is not limited to", or "it applies generally to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it is not specific to" or "it is not unique to"?

Both "it is not specific to" and "it is not unique to" are correct and have similar meanings. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Specific" emphasizes a lack of particularity, while "unique" emphasizes a lack of exclusivity.

What does "it is not specific to" mean?

The phrase "it is not specific to" means that something isn't limited or exclusive to a particular item or situation. It indicates broader applicability or relevance.