specifically those

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specifically those" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to clarify or emphasize a particular subset of items or individuals within a larger group. Example: "I am looking for volunteers, specifically those who have experience in event planning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that story, more specifically those words, changed the course of my life.

The Guardian - Opinion

But many of the media companies, and specifically those two, rebounded impressively yesterday.

The New York Times

Or are they happier when they win particular games – specifically, those against more robust rivals?

The Guardian - Sport

Philosophical positions, and specifically those embodied in metaphysical systems, normally identify themselves through their theses.

Princeton University

Specifically, those points having maximum dependence with their predictions are expected to be included for labeling.

Neurocomputing

Dead artists, and more specifically those who met unexpected ends, form another of the show's categories.

The New York Times - Arts

World of Tanks is about, well, yeah, tanks, specifically those of the World War II era.

The New York Times - Arts

Take, for instance, Prince's "rephotographing" of Marlboro cigarette advertisements, specifically those featuring the Marlboro Man (originally shot by Sam Abell).

The Guardian - Tech

Its successful mission meant humans, specifically those from the US, have now reached all nine planets of our solar system.

The Guardian

Libra was set up to help these individuals, specifically those left homeless as a result of a miscarriage of justice.

The Guardian

Then the town belongs to the fishermen, specifically those trolling for the tiny silvery anchovies that crowd the calm waters.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specifically those" to narrow down a broader subject to a particular subset, making your argument or explanation more precise. For example, "The new regulations target businesses, specifically those with over 500 employees."

Common error

Avoid using "specifically those" in very informal conversations; it may sound overly formal or stilted. Simpler language like "especially" or "particularly" can be more appropriate in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specifically those" functions as a specifier, narrowing down a broader category to a more precise subset. As Ludwig AI points out, it is generally considered correct and is widely used. It typically follows a noun or pronoun to provide further detail and clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "specifically those" serves as a valuable tool for enhancing precision and clarity in writing. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and enjoys widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic domains. To achieve precision in your writing, "specifically those" can help narrow your scope to what really matters. Consider the other guidance provided in this writing guide to ensure that you are following well-established best practices and that you are effectively communicating your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely those

Stresses accuracy and exactness in the selection, intensifying the focus on the items.

particularly those

Emphasizes a selection from a group, similar to "specifically those", but may carry a slightly broader scope.

especially those

Highlights certain items as more important within the group, slightly increasing the emphasis compared to "specifically those".

in particular those

Adds a touch of formality while singling out members of a group, making the selection sound more deliberate.

explicitly those

Highlights items mentioned clearly and directly, leaving no room for ambiguity.

notably those

Draws attention to items that are remarkable or worthy of mention, implying that these items stand out.

namely those

Provides a list or identification of the specified items, offering direct clarity.

definitely those

Indicates a clear and unambiguous selection of items, ensuring no confusion.

certainly those

Emphasizes the certainty of the selection of items, reinforcing the focus on the group.

conspicuously those

Implies a more visible or noticeable emphasis on some items of the group, often drawing attention to the importance of their presence.

FAQs

How can I use "specifically those" in a sentence?

Use "specifically those" to narrow down a broader group to a particular subset. For example: "We need volunteers, "specifically those" with medical experience."

What phrases can I use instead of "specifically those"?

Alternatives include phrases like "particularly those", "especially those", or "in particular those", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "specifically those" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "specifically those" is appropriate for formal writing. It provides a clear and direct way to specify a subset of a larger group or category. It is very suitable for academic, business, and technical documents.

How does "specifically those" differ from "especially those"?

"Specifically those" emphasizes a precise selection from a larger group. "Especially those" "especially those", on the other hand, highlights some items as being more important or noteworthy than others within the group.