specific

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'specific' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something in a very precise or exact way. For example, "I need a very specific type of cloth for this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One former Alton Towers employee explained that the Smiler could have up to five cars moving around the track at once and a "block system" run by sensors prevented two cars entering specific sections at the same time.

The Guardian

The US state department later described a "specific and immediate threat".

The Guardian

Because, on specific flagship policies, just what would Liberal Democrats oppose when in government with them?

The Guardian - Opinion

Every departure from what has been asserted as "proper" and "fitting" from that very specific standpoint is dismissed as aberrant, and is ridiculed and subordinated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nick Clegg, who has been briefed by the prime minister on the speech, will reject Cameron's pledge to hold a referendum by 2017 on the grounds that it is wrong to commit Britain to such a specific timetable when there is uncertainty over whether negotiations will take place.

The Guardian

Discover how they achieved that specific Heineken taste, marvel at 140 years of beer advertising, or get 'brewed' yourself in a 4D movie.

The Guardian - Travel

The idea being that it would receive the licence fee and could in time become a kind of public body funding public broadcasting (or possibly specific programmes) other than on the BBC.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those are three specific things that could [help] our economy right now.

The Guardian

"There's still nothing to identify a specific motive as to why Mr Lee took these actions," Duke said.

The Guardian

Or, to be specific, blow kisses at my daughter, who grew fabulously adept at blowing them back and basking in her newfound glory as the only natural blonde on the island.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Part of the answer, says writer Carol Russell, of the Fresh Voice Initiative, is industry specific.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specific", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being specified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "We need specific details", say "We need specific details about the project timeline".

Common error

Avoid using "specific" as a filler word without providing actual specifics. For example, instead of saying "We need to address specific issues", identify and list the issues that need to be addressed.

Linguistic Context

The word "specific" primarily functions as an adjective. Ludwig's examples showcase its use to qualify nouns, adding a layer of precision and clarity. The word serves to narrow down a broader category to a defined instance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specific" is a versatile adjective used to denote precision and clarity. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and highly frequent in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. To maximize impact, ensure context is clear when using "specific" to avoid ambiguity. As Ludwig highlights, the word is used to narrow down a broader category to a defined instance and clarify expectations. Avoiding overuse as a filler word will make your writing more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular

Focuses on a single, defined item or case.

precise

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness in detail.

explicit

Highlights clarity and directness, leaving no room for ambiguity.

distinct

Indicates uniqueness and clear differentiation from others.

definite

Suggests certainty and lack of vagueness.

certain

Implies assurance and lack of doubt.

concrete

Refers to tangible and real aspects, avoiding abstraction.

targeted

Focuses on a defined goal or objective.

designated

Officially assigned or indicated for a purpose.

tailored

Customized or adapted to meet individual requirements.

FAQs

How to use "specific" in a sentence?

The word "specific" is used to indicate that something is precisely and clearly identified or defined. For example, "I need "specific instructions" on how to assemble this furniture".

What can I say instead of "specific"?

You can use alternatives like "particular", "precise", or "explicit" depending on the context.

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

"A specific example" is generally more grammatically correct because "example" is a countable noun. Using the article "a" makes the sentence flow more naturally.

What's the difference between "specific" and "distinct"?

"Specific" refers to something clearly defined or identified, while "distinct" implies something unique and clearly different from others. A "specific" item is clearly identified, while a "distinct item" is uniquely different.