specific pointer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific pointer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular indication or direction related to a topic or subject matter. Example: "In the meeting, she provided a specific pointer on how to improve our marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

sampler2DRect is a specific pointer to the active texture unit.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

In this description of the after-measurement situation it is difficult to discern the actual result of the measurement — e.g., some specific pointer orientation.

SEP

Hippocampal volume loss is a sensitive and specific pointer of hippocampal sclerosis in the clinical setting of epilepsy, and hippocampal volumetric study can quantify atrophy in TLE patients.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There were no more specific pointers than that.

The Guardian - Music

"Metabolomics can provide very specific pointers as to what is going wrong and new ways of intervening".

The Economist

Karen Beardsell, director of human resources, Stonewall Top tip: This is a really open question but we would be looking for two or three specific pointers with solid examples of where they have made a difference.

The Guardian

Here are some specific pointers I shared with the candidates.

Science Magazine

Chronic dry cough in the absence of specific pointers (table 1) in the history and examination is termed 'non-specific cough' or 'isolated cough', ie cough is the sole symptom.

Cough

In this guide, we include the software packages that we employ (and specific pointers to the methods or software used by other groups) for each of the steps of a model network analysis workflow.

Bioinformatics and Biology Insights

Someone in the boat who knows how to use the Air Chair is a good start as they can observe and give specific pointers as to what you are doing wrong.

WikiHow

The style, precise shade, ability to match existing clothing etc., are all factors a person would take into account when buying clothes for themselves, and all of these factors are very hard to account for when buying clothes for another, unless you have been given specific pointers.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specific pointer" when you want to emphasize that the advice, information, or indication you're giving is tailored to a particular situation or problem. This conveys precision and relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "specific pointer" when a more general term like "tip" or "suggestion" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or technical when simplicity is better.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific pointer" functions as a noun phrase, where "specific" modifies the noun "pointer". According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable. As Ludwig Examples show, it commonly acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "specific pointer" is a grammatically sound and usable term for describing precise and targeted guidance. Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct and appears across multiple domains, mainly in science, news, and online guides, but its usage is relatively uncommon. Alternatives include "precise indicator" and "particular guide". When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the context by providing detailed indications tailored to specific situations. Avoid overuse in general discussions, as simpler terms may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise indicator

Replaces "pointer" with a synonym emphasizing accuracy.

particular guide

Substitutes "pointer" with a term suggesting direction or assistance.

explicit reference

Focuses on the clarity and directness of the indication.

detailed clue

Highlights the informative aspect of the "pointer".

defined marker

Emphasizes that the pointer is clearly defined.

exact specification

Shifts the focus to the exactness of the pointer's purpose.

clear signpost

Uses a metaphor to indicate a clear direction.

pointed direction

Changes the structure while retaining the core meaning.

distinct indication

Highlights the clarity of the indication given by the pointer.

specialized cue

Indicates the pointer is for a more precise purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "specific pointer" to highlight precise guidance. For example: "The professor gave a "specific pointer" on improving the experimental setup."

What can I say instead of "specific pointer"?

Alternatives include "precise indicator", "particular guide", or "explicit reference", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "specific pointer"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that the guidance is precisely tailored to address a particular issue or context. It suggests a higher degree of relevance than a general suggestion.

What is the difference between "specific pointer" and "general advice"?

"Specific pointer" implies targeted guidance for a particular situation, while "general advice" is broader and less tailored. Use "specific pointer" when the information is uniquely relevant.