specific individuals

USAGE SUMMARY

"specific individuals" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a particular group of people who have been identified in a particular context. For example, "The study found that specific individuals who consumed more fruits and vegetables had better overall health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was attacking specific individuals".

The Guardian

"I remember four specific individuals," Mr. Needham said.

The New York Times

Likenesses of specific individuals share gallery space with mythological and fanciful characters.

The New York Times

These decisions are taken by specific individuals in councils, and were until now, without scrutiny.

The Guardian - Opinion

SafeStart could allow them to direct some of their giving to specific individuals.

The New York Times

However, it does not obtain information that relates back to specific individuals.

The Guardian - Tech

But what about more nefarious bodies who are interested in specific individuals?

The Guardian

Other Cairo residents have backed up Nader's theory that the searches are not targeting specific individuals.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specific individuals" when you need to emphasize that you are referring to a known or identifiable set of people, not just anyone. This is especially useful in legal, academic, or technical contexts where precision is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "specific individuals" when "people" or "persons" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted. Opt for simpler language when the added precision isn't essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific individuals" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It identifies a particular set of people that are being distinguished from a general group. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

21%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specific individuals" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase to denote a clearly defined subset of people. Predominantly found in News & Media, Scientific, and Academic contexts, its usage emphasizes precision and clarity. To avoid over-formality, consider using simpler alternatives like "people" or "persons" where appropriate. The phrase maintains a Neutral register that is appropriate for academic and professional use. Remember to prioritize conciseness and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular persons

Replaces "individuals" with "persons", a more formal term for people.

certain people

Substitutes "specific" with "certain", indicating a defined but not necessarily named group.

named individuals

Emphasizes that the individuals are identified by name.

identified persons

Highlights that the individuals have been recognized or singled out.

designated individuals

Suggests that the individuals have been officially chosen or appointed.

explicit individuals

Highlights that the individuals have been clearly and directly indicated.

individual cases

Shifts the focus to particular instances involving people.

distinct individuals

Emphasizes the unique and separate nature of each person.

individual examples

Focuses on people as representative cases of a larger group or phenomenon.

respective individuals

Indicates that each individual is considered separately in relation to something else.

FAQs

How do I use "specific individuals" in a sentence?

Use "specific individuals" when you want to emphasize that you're referring to particular, identifiable people. For example, "The investigation focused on "certain individuals" involved in the fraudulent activity."

What's a less formal alternative to "specific individuals"?

If you don't need to emphasize identifiability, you can use simpler terms like "people", "persons", or ""certain individuals"".

Is it redundant to say "specific individual people"?

Yes, saying "specific individual people" is redundant. Use either "specific individuals" or "specific people" to avoid unnecessary repetition.

When is it appropriate to use "specific individuals" instead of "people"?

Use "specific individuals" when the context requires emphasizing that you are talking about a well-defined, identifiable group, such as in legal documents or research reports. Otherwise, "people" is generally sufficient.