specific persons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific persons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to particular individuals in a context where their identity is important or relevant. Example: "The report was only shared with specific persons who were involved in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

I care about specific persons and my relationship with them.

The New York Times

Some historians have concluded that they cannot write national history anymore, but only microhistories of specific persons and small events.

The New York Times - Books

Although these clearly reduce private spending power generally, it is difficult to attribute their incidence to specific persons and families.

Britannica

'Sellout' is a messy, volatile, contested term about which disagreement is rife when it comes to applying the label to specific persons or conduct".

The New York Times - Books

Fidelity bonds differ according to whether specific persons are named as principals or whether all employees or persons are covered as a group.

Britannica

The Fourth Amendment secures the people against unreasonable searches and seizures and forbids the issuance of warrants except upon probable cause and directed to specific persons and places.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"Not a specific person.

The New Yorker

He loved one specific person.

The New Yorker

Researching a specific person, family, or town?

Columbia University

Spear phishing – a specialised attack targeted on a specific person.

The Guardian

"I never think of London as one specific person.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specific persons" when you need to emphasize the distinct identity of individuals in a given context, especially in legal, academic, or formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "specific persons" in casual conversation or informal writing; simpler alternatives like "certain people" or "particular individuals" may sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific persons" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object or subject in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct, referring to particular, identifiable individuals in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

26%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specific persons" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to refer to particular individuals, often in formal contexts like news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability. While alternatives like "particular individuals" or "certain people" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis. When writing, remember to consider the context and audience to ensure appropriate usage of this phrase. Be aware overuse in an informal setting may make the text unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular individuals

Emphasizes individuality and distinctness more strongly.

certain people

Indicates a degree of selection or identification from a larger group.

designated individuals

Suggests that the individuals have been officially chosen or appointed.

named persons

Implies that the individuals have been explicitly identified by name.

defined individuals

Highlights that the persons have characteristics that set them apart.

explicit persons

Stresses the clarity and lack of ambiguity in identifying the individuals.

specified individuals

Focuses on the act of clearly stating or detailing which individuals are meant.

identifiable people

Highlights the possibility of determining the identities of the individuals.

particular people

Indicates that a small set of individuals are special for a reason.

individual entities

Shifts the focus to the unique nature of each person as a distinct entity.

FAQs

How to use "specific persons" in a sentence?

The phrase "specific persons" is used to refer to particular individuals. For example: "The information is only accessible to "designated individuals".".

What can I say instead of "specific persons"?

You can use alternatives like "particular individuals", "certain people", or "named individuals" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "specific persons" or "specific people"?

Both "specific persons" and "specific people" are grammatically correct, but "specific persons" is more formal. "Specific people" is generally preferred in everyday language.

What is the difference between "specific persons" and "certain persons"?

"Specific persons" emphasizes the distinct identity of individuals, while "certain persons" implies a degree of selection or identification from a larger group.