specific individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific individual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular person or entity in a clear and precise manner. Example: "The committee is looking for a specific individual who has expertise in environmental science to lead the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These incidents are most meaningful within their specific, individual contexts.

The New Yorker

"We call it Specific Individual Assistance," he said.

The New York Times

However, these munitions may be used against "a specific individual".

The Guardian

Direct your questions to a specific individual.

Stanford University

Due process, applied to a specific individual, has purposes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Idiolect: The grammar used by a specific individual.

Yale University

But they acknowledged the difficulty of finding a specific individual who could be prosecuted.

The New York Times

They gave no indication that a specific individual or group was suspected of causing the blasts.

The New York Times

Tracking a specific individual of genuine concern is very different from sweeping everyone into a net.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It doesn't mean that you lose any [region's] specific individual charisma.

The Guardian - Arts

To disassociate jazz from its specific individual creators is to disrespect its essence.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specific individual" when you need to emphasize that you are referring to one particular person or entity, as opposed to a general group or category. This clarifies your intention and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "specific individual" excessively in very formal or academic writing. In some cases, a simpler term like "person" or "individual" may suffice, especially if the context already makes it clear that you are referring to someone in particular.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific individual" functions as a noun phrase, where "specific" modifies "individual". Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

23%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specific individual" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to refer to a particular person or entity. Ludwig AI identifies it as being suitable for use in various contexts where precision is needed. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While it is a versatile phrase, be mindful of potential overuse in highly formal contexts where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Related phrases include "particular person" and "certain individual". Overall, it's a reliable way to ensure clarity when referring to someone specific.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular person

Replaces "individual" with "person", emphasizing the human aspect.

certain individual

Uses "certain" to indicate a definite but possibly unspecified person.

designated individual

Suggests that the individual has been formally chosen or assigned.

identified person

Focuses on the act of recognition or naming.

named individual

Implies that the person's name is known or has been provided.

distinct person

Highlights the uniqueness and separateness of the individual.

individual in question

Emphasizes that this specific individual is being considered or discussed.

relevant individual

Highlights the importance or pertinence of the individual to a particular situation.

concerned individual

Suggests a person who is either worried or closely related to the issue at hand.

single person

Focuses on the individuality and singularity of the person.

FAQs

How can I use "specific individual" in a sentence?

Use "specific individual" to refer to a particular person or entity when precision is needed. For example, "The investigation focused on a "specific individual" suspected of fraud".

What are some alternatives to "specific individual"?

You can use alternatives such as "particular person", "certain individual", or "designated individual", depending on the context.

When is it best to use "specific individual" instead of just "individual"?

Use "specific individual" when you need to emphasize the uniqueness or distinctiveness of the person being referenced, particularly in situations where there might be confusion about who or what you're referring to.

Is there a difference between "specific individual" and "concrete individual"?

"Specific individual" emphasizes the distinct identity of a person, while "concrete individual" implies tangibility and reality. The terms aren't interchangeable. For example, "The police were looking for a specific individual described by the witness" is different from "The philosophy class examined the concept of a concrete individual".