specific subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular topic or area of focus in a discussion or piece of writing. Example: "In this report, we will analyze the specific subject of climate change and its impact on global ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was on a specific subject, a big theme".

The New York Times

Does delving deeply into a specific subject fascinate you?

The New York Times

Attendance is voluntary and pupils are encouraged to share experiences and work on specific subject areas.

The Guardian

The study of each A-level imparts specific subject knowledge and develops certain skills.

The Guardian

Business studies was the most popular specific subject at both postgraduate and undergraduate level.

The Guardian

Del Toro's filmography says a lot about one specific subject: the drug war.

The Guardian - Film

Sessions for a specific subject were run either once or twice a week.

Nature

Forecasting is an art that is separate from the need to have specific subject knowledge.

The Guardian - Money

Expertise trust is reliance on an adviser's ability in a specific subject area.

Harvard Business Review

In the Chinese understanding, there's less emphasis on innate curiosity or even on specific subject matter.

The New York Times

The judges will be looking for the winner to demonstrate an identifiable voice and flair for a specific subject.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure your subject line is a clear, "specific subject", immediately conveying the email's purpose to the recipient.

Common error

Don't use general terms when a "specific subject" is needed. For example, instead of 'project details', use 'Q3 marketing campaign results'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific subject" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows that it identifies a particular area of study, focus, or expertise. The adjective 'specific' modifies 'subject', narrowing its scope.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specific subject" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes a particular area of focus, study, or expertise. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is common in both academic and professional contexts. While alternatives like "particular subject" or "designated topic" exist, the core meaning remains consistent. When using the phrase, be precise and avoid redundancy by ensuring you are, in fact, referring to a "specific subject".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular subject

Replaces "specific" with a synonym, maintaining the focus on a distinct topic.

certain subject

Uses "certain" as a synonym for "specific", implying a degree of identifiability.

precise topic

Emphasizes the exactness and clarity of the subject matter.

designated topic

Focuses on the act of assigning or choosing a subject.

explicit subject

Focuses on the clear and unambiguous nature of the subject.

defined area of study

Highlights the academic context and the boundaries of the subject.

focused theme

Highlights a unifying idea or message within a particular area.

distinct discipline

Emphasizes the unique nature and established structure of the subject.

specialized field

Implies a subject requiring expert knowledge or training.

detailed subject matter

Highlights the depth and level of detail involved in the subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "specific subject" to refer to a particular area of focus, as in: "The course will delve into the "specific subject" of quantum physics".

What's a good alternative to "specific subject"?

Depending on the context, you might use "particular subject", "designated topic", or "defined area of study" as alternatives to "specific subject".

Is it redundant to say "very specific subject"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very specific subject" can be redundant. "Specific subject" already implies a high degree of detail, so adding "very" might not add significant meaning. Consider rephrasing for clarity.

How does "specific subject" differ from "general subject"?

"Specific subject" refers to a well-defined topic, whereas "general subject" encompasses a broader, less focused area. For example, 'biology' is a general subject, while 'molecular biology' is a more "specific subject".