specific question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to refer to a particular inquiry that requires a detailed or focused response. Example: "Please provide a specific question so that I can assist you more effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And usually there's a very specific question.

The New York Times

I'm not sure you asked me a specific question.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many in Congress will be asking this specific question".

The New York Times

(Be sure to articulate a specific question here).

The New York Times

And if you have a specific question, ask our expert!

The New York Times

They're somewhat sophisticated and may have a specific question they want an answer to".

The New York Times - Health

She never asked the specific question, so he kind of left me hanging there.

The New York Times - Sports

"So I would go to him when I had a specific question.

The New York Times

COLL: Amjad asked a specific question about whether the coalition has a position about the treaty.

The New Yorker

A few minutes later she was asked a very specific question about her pay cheque.

The Guardian - Film

To answer your specific question, what you actually get is whatever your tenant(s) pay you.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking assistance from an expert, providing a "specific question" will likely yield a more helpful and targeted response.

Common error

Avoid asking overly broad or general questions. Instead, break down your inquiry into a series of "specific question" to get more precise and actionable answers. For example, instead of asking "Tell me about climate change", ask "What are the primary causes of climate change according to the IPCC report?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific question" functions as a noun phrase, where "specific" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "question". As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates a particular inquiry that requires a detailed or focused response. It is commonly used to narrow down the scope of a request or discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "specific question" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used noun phrase that functions to elicit precise and relevant information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news and media, science, and formal business settings. To maximize clarity in communication, it is essential to focus inquiries and seek responses tailored to the details of the inquiry, and instead of making broad inquiries, try to ask a "specific question". Alternatives like "precise inquiry" or "detailed query" can be used to add nuance, but the core principle remains the same: clarity and focus are key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise inquiry

Replaces 'question' with 'inquiry' and 'specific' with 'precise' to emphasize exactness and accuracy.

detailed query

Using 'detailed' instead of 'specific' highlights the level of information sought in the question.

particular question

Swaps 'specific' for 'particular', indicating a focus on one distinct question among others.

focused question

Emphasizes that the question is narrowed down to a particular area or subject.

targeted question

Suggests the question is aimed at a particular issue or person.

explicit question

Highlights that the question is clear, direct, and leaves no room for ambiguity.

well-defined question

Implies the question is carefully formulated and clearly delineated.

concrete question

Replaces 'specific' with 'concrete' which implies the question is tangible, real, and leaves no room for abstraction.

direct inquiry

Focuses on the straightforward and unambiguous nature of the question.

pointed question

Highlights that the question is sharply focused and relevant to the matter at hand.

FAQs

How can I make my questions more specific?

To formulate a "specific question", focus on a single issue, provide context, and avoid ambiguity. Being precise helps ensure you receive a relevant and useful answer.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "specific question"?

Alternatives include "precise inquiry", "detailed query", or "focused question", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Why is it important to ask a "specific question"?

Asking a "specific question" ensures that the response you receive is targeted and relevant to your needs. It helps avoid vague or general answers and maximizes the efficiency of communication.

Is it better to ask multiple "specific question" or one broad question?

In most cases, multiple "specific question" are preferable to one broad question. This allows for a more detailed and nuanced understanding of the subject matter.