the specimens in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the specimens in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to specific specimens that are being discussed or examined in a particular context. Example: "The researchers analyzed the specimens in question to determine their genetic makeup."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And the specimens in question were found not in East Africa, which has become synonymous with a sort of paleoanthropological Garden of Eden, but clear on the other side of the continent and the Sahara in Morocco.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not only does such information add to the interest of the specimen in question and increase understanding of the pottery art as a whole but it also often throws fresh light on historical questions or the social habits and technical skills of the time it was made.

Britannica

The specimen in question is a few centimeters long arthropod Fuxianhuia protensa.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The specimen in question was actually sold at the auction for $1.05 million but was seized by the U.S. Government.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The specimen in question was "discovered in 2009 in northeastern China representing the earliest mammal ever to be discovered that had a placenta, or was in the process of developing a placenta, to nourish its unborn".

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The specimen in question, consisting of a complete adult skeleton and tentatively assigned to P. mongoliensis, was found in the lower beds of the Yixian Formation.

Wikipedia

After the November National Geographic came out, Storrs L. Olson, curator of birds in the National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian Institution published an open letter on 1 November 1999, pointing out that "the specimen in question is known to have been illegally exported" and protesting the "prevailing dogma that birds evolved from dinosaurs".

Wikipedia

The specimen in question is a near complete skull that is similar in size and hypsodonty to the modern Castor, but shows a combination of traits, including "primitive traits", which led previous researchers to suggest the specimen belonged to a separate genus, Sinocastor.

Plosone

The first dorsal rib of X. latimarginalis was previously identified as short [ 72] (reaching about half way to the axillary buttress), but revision of the specimen in question (IVPP V9537-1) reveals that the rib was long.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

She didn't mount the specimens in the conventional way.

Vice

We revisited the site in October 2012 and successfully collected flowering specimens of the population in question.

Botanical Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the specimens in question", ensure it's clear from the context which specimens you are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details or identifiers.

Common error

Avoid using "the specimens in question" without a clear antecedent. Ensure the reader knows exactly which specimens you're discussing to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the specimens in question" functions as a determiner phrase identifying specific samples or items under discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in referring to previously mentioned or contextually understood specimens.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the specimens in question" is a grammatically correct phrase used to refer to specific samples or items already identified within a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and clarity. While not overly frequent, the phrase appears in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources, indicating a neutral register. For clear and effective communication, ensure the context clearly defines which specimens are being referenced, avoiding ambiguity. Alternatives like "the specimens at hand" or "the relevant specimens" can be used for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the specimens at hand

Emphasizes the specimens that are currently being dealt with or examined.

the specimens under consideration

Highlights that the specimens are being actively thought about or evaluated.

the relevant specimens

Focuses on the specimens that are pertinent to the current discussion or investigation.

the specimens in focus

Indicates that the specimens are the main point of attention.

the subject specimens

Highlights that the specimens are the topic or subject of discussion.

the aforementioned specimens

Refers back to specimens that have been previously mentioned.

the specimens being studied

Specifies that the specimens are currently undergoing analysis or investigation.

the particular specimens

Emphasizes the specific nature of the specimens being referred to.

the designated specimens

Highlights that the specimens have been specifically chosen or identified.

the implicated specimens

Suggests the specimens are involved in or connected to a specific situation or issue.

FAQs

How can I use "the specimens in question" in a sentence?

Use "the specimens in question" when you need to refer back to specific samples or items that have already been introduced or are clearly understood within the context of the discussion. For example: "The researchers analyzed the specimens in question to determine their genetic makeup."

What phrases are similar to "the specimens in question"?

You can use alternatives like "the specimens at hand", "the relevant specimens", or "the specimens under consideration depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "the specimens in question" in formal writing?

Yes, "the specimens in question" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific or technical contexts where precise reference is important. It clearly identifies specific specimens that are being discussed.

What is the difference between "the specimens in question" and "these specimens"?

"The specimens in question" typically refers to specimens that have been previously mentioned or are understood within a specific context. "These specimens" is more general and may refer to specimens that are currently being presented or examined for the first time.