of a specific

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of a specific" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular item, category, or detail that is clearly defined or identified. Example: "The study focuses on the effects of a specific type of exercise on mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Lack of a specific bill.

The New York Times

I can focus on catching Pokémon of a specific type.

The Guardian - Tech

Perhaps they are just the outgrowths of a specific culture.

The New York Times

I know the name of a specific biblical ancestor.

The New York Times

It's a classic projection of a specific time and place.

The Guardian - Film

3. Research the history of a specific television genre; create a timeline of this genre.

The New York Times

Typically, his films engage the history of a specific city or region.

The New York Times - Arts

And let me give you one example of a specific threat we received.

The New York Times

The Bush administrations has not spoken of a specific timetable for the military action in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

She is an image of a specific category of ancestor, one recently dead.

The New York Times - Arts

("Single origin" indicates the use of a specific kind of cocoa bean with a pedigree).

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of a specific" to clearly denote a particular item or detail, avoiding ambiguity in your writing. For example, "The study focuses on the impact of a specific policy change."

Common error

Avoid using "of a specific" when a general term is more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Instead of saying "Knowledge of a specific subject is important," consider "Subject matter expertise is important."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of a specific" functions as a prepositional modifier, typically qualifying a noun or noun phrase. It serves to narrow the scope, indicating that something is being referred to in a precise or defined manner. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase often clarifies which particular item or instance is being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of a specific" is a versatile prepositional modifier used to denote precision and particularity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While highly valuable for clarity, remember not to overuse it in general statements to maintain conciseness. Explore related phrases like "of a particular" or "of a certain" to add variety to your writing. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, you can effectively leverage "of a specific" to enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of a particular

Emphasizes the distinctness of the item, similar to "specific".

of a certain

Indicates a defined but possibly unspecified instance.

of a defined

Highlights the characteristic of being clearly stated or outlined.

of a precise

Highlights the exactness and accuracy.

of a unique

Focuses on the unparalleled nature.

of a distinctive

Implies having a quality that marks something as different.

of a designated

Refers to something officially assigned or indicated.

of a targeted

Indicates something aimed at a specific goal or audience.

of a confined

Emphasizes the limitation to a certain area or scope.

of a selected

Highlights the act of choosing something specific from a group.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "of a specific"?

You can use alternatives like "of a particular", "of a certain", or "of a defined" depending on the context.

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

The phrase "of a specific" is used to refer to a particular item, type, or example. For instance, "The research examines the properties of a specific material" or "Please provide an example of a specific problem you encountered".

Which is correct, "of a specific" or "of specific"?

"Of a specific" is generally correct when you are referring to one particular instance. "Of specific" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "of a specific" and "of a particular"?

While both phrases are very similar, "of a specific" often implies a greater level of detail or precision than "of a particular". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.