specific line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular line of text, code, or any written material that is being discussed or analyzed. Example: "Please refer to the specific line in the document where the policy is outlined."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

A college degree in a non-liberal field signifies competence in a specific line of work.

The New Yorker

"The attorney general issued a very specific opinion, using a very specific line of thinking".

The New York Times

The museum has never hewn to any specific line in the development of art.

The New York Times - Arts

More on the specific line up problems facing Klinsmann in a minute (basically an article in itself).

The Guardian - Sport

The government would not name the companies who received these licenses or what their specific line of business is.

The Guardian

"I was responding to a specific line of questioning on how newspapers get information," she wrote.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Specific, line-by-line complaints are due a week later.

The New York Times

Congressional leaders announced the omnibus deal Wednesday after months of negotiating over spending levels and specific line-items.

Huffington Post

A semi-nested PCR approach was used to amplify specific LINE-1 repeats.

Human Molecular Genetics

16 Primary attention was directed at identifying broad categories of data, followed by specific line-by-line categorisation.

BMJ Open

Conceivably, studying methylation changes at specific LINE-1 may be more informative than global assays for cancer diagnostics.

Clinical Epigenetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a particular line in a document or code, use "specific line" to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. This is especially useful when providing instructions or feedback.

Common error

Avoid using "specific line" when a more general term like "aspect" or "detail" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive and less natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific line" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'specific' modifies the noun 'line'. It serves to identify a particular line among others, as supported by Ludwig examples. It is used to denote a distinct and identifiable line in a given context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "specific line" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to direct attention to a particular line in various contexts, including news, science, and formal business. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While alternatives such as "particular line" and "designated line" exist, "specific line" provides clarity and precision. When writing, it's best to use "specific line" when precision is needed, avoiding overuse in general contexts. The neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular line

Substitutes "specific" with "particular", indicating a certain line among others, with a slightly less emphatic tone.

designated line

Replaces "specific" with "designated", suggesting a line that has been officially chosen or assigned for a purpose.

exact line

Emphasizes precision by using "exact" instead of "specific", highlighting that the line is precisely defined.

precise line

Similar to "exact line", this alternative stresses accuracy and lack of ambiguity.

certain line

Uses "certain" to indicate a definite line, though it might be slightly less emphatic than "specific".

aforementioned line

Refers to a line that was previously mentioned, creating a connection to prior context.

indicated line

Suggests that the line has been pointed out or shown, typically with an accompanying gesture or marker.

defined line

Highlights that the line is clearly demarcated or described, leaving no room for interpretation.

stipulated line

Emphasizes that the line is explicitly required or agreed upon, often in a legal or contractual setting.

itemized line

Implies that the line is part of a detailed list or breakdown, commonly used in financial or budgetary contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "specific line" to refer to a particular line of text, code, or data, as in "Please review the "specific line" where the error occurs".

What is a good alternative to "specific line"?

Alternatives include "particular line", "designated line", or "exact line", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "specific line" or "particular line"?

Both "specific line" and "particular line" are generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in most contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic variation.

When should I use "specific line" versus "general area"?

Use "specific line" when you need to pinpoint a precise location, such as a line in a contract or code. Use "general area" when referring to a broader, less defined section or topic.