more specific to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more specific to" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually implies a comparison between two different, but related items. For example, "This type of research is more specific to the needs of the local community than the regional survey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Others are more specific to property.

The Economist

"It was more specific to the acts," he said.

The New York Times

Another theory is more specific to the boom years.

The New Yorker

Other explanations for Clinton's difficulties are more specific to her.

The New Yorker

Other themes were more specific to a particular job.

Harvard Business Review

But some of the reasons are more specific to Thailand.

The New York Times

Other additives are more specific to medical applications.

Plastics in Medical Devices PROPERTIES, REQUIREMENTS, AND APPLICATIONS

Others are more specific to this area of research.

Journal of Adolescent Health

Other factors limiting adoption are more specific to sports.

The New York Times

There's another way I look at the Twin Towers that's perhaps more specific to myself.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But they have declined to be more specific or to comply with the Justice Department's demand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two or more options, use "more specific to" to clearly indicate which one is narrowly tailored or particularly relevant to the subject at hand. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "more specific to" when a simpler and more direct phrase like "specific to" or "for" would suffice. Overusing comparative structures can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more specific to" functions as a comparative adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It serves to indicate that one thing is more particularly related or tailored to a subject than another. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more specific to" is a versatile and commonly used comparative structure that highlights a closer, more tailored relationship between a subject and a particular aspect. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and effective in written English. Its prevalence in news, scientific, and academic contexts underscores its utility in conveying precise and nuanced information. While generally neutral in tone, its application often lends a degree of formality to the writing. When using "more specific to", ensure that you're making a clear comparison and that a more direct phrasing isn't a better option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more relevant to

Focuses on the relevance of something to a specific context, rather than specificity.

more applicable to

Highlights the applicability or suitability of something to a particular case.

more pertinent to

Emphasizes the pertinence or direct relation of something to a specific matter.

more tailored to

Suggests something has been specifically designed or adjusted for a particular purpose.

more aligned with

Indicates a closer match or agreement with a specific standard or objective.

more closely related to

Emphasizes a stronger connection or association with a particular subject.

more targeted at

Implies a deliberate focus on a specific group or objective.

more inclined toward

Suggests a tendency or predisposition towards a specific thing.

more geared towards

Similar to tailored, but emphasizes a direction or purpose.

more inclined to

Suggests a leaning or preference, denoting a direction towards a specific view.

FAQs

How to use "more specific to" in a sentence?

Use "more specific to" when you want to indicate that something is particularly relevant or tailored to a particular subject. For example, "This tool is "more specific to" advanced users than beginners".

What can I say instead of "more specific to"?

You can use alternatives like "more relevant to", "more applicable to", or "more pertinent to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "specific to" or "more specific to"?

Both are correct, but they have different meanings. "Specific to" indicates that something is exclusively related to a particular subject. "More specific to" implies a comparison, indicating that something is more closely related to a particular subject than something else.

What's the difference between "relevant to" and ""more specific to""?

"Relevant to" means that something is connected or important to a subject. "More specific to" indicates that something is not only relevant but also narrowly tailored or precisely applicable to that subject, compared to something else.