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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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their specific unique

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their specific unique" is not correct in English as it combines two adjectives that are redundant when used together.
It is not usable in written English due to the lack of clarity and redundancy. Example: "Each artist has their specific unique style that sets them apart from others."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Medicaid should transform into a system that gives the states flexibility to tailor the program to serve the needs of their specific and unique challenges".

News & Media

The New York Times

A programme by UN Women is working with girls and women who have survived Boko Haram's attacks and making sure that the humanitarian response addresses their specific and unique needs.

News & Media

Huffington Post

A total of 10 diagnostic ions was considered to be reliable fragment ions to define the Ceramide [NS] class: three (b, c, and d) and two (e and f) fragment ions in addition to their dehydration ions were the specific (unique) ions of fatty acid and of the sphingoid base, respectively.

A good way to speed it up is to point out specific, unique features.

News & Media

The Economist

"It's cool that they have this very specific, unique way of throwing these protests, which are half in real life but half on the Internet.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"It really matters to me who represents [my] region because we have some specific unique issues," she says, noting she plans to depart Tehran, and its reformist-principlist cacophony, and cast her ballot back home.

News & Media

The Guardian

Additional File 1 contains a more detailed description of SPRINT and specific, unique differences to other protocols.

The paper presents the boiler design parameters, design arrangement and specific unique design features of the CFB boilers.

We created 50 modelling kits with specific, unique textures".

News & Media

Vice

Occasionally, Tokyo Tower's lighting is changed to specific, unique arrangements for special events.

"The shell tower eventually assumes a specific unique character as subcultures are allowed to develop... contributing to a communities [sic] identity and sense of place".

News & Media

Vice
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you want to enhance clarity, rephrase to clarify what makes it specific and unique.

Common error

Do not use "specific unique" together. This phrase is redundant because "unique" already implies that something is distinct and "specific" implies it is detailed. Using both creates an unnecessary repetition of the same idea. Use either "specific" or "unique" depending on the intended emphasis.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

68%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their specific unique" functions as a descriptive modifier, attempting to highlight a quality belonging to a group. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically incorrect due to redundancy.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "their specific unique" is generally considered grammatically incorrect due to redundancy as flagged by Ludwig. While the intent is to emphasize a distinct quality, the combination of "specific" and "unique" is unnecessary. Better alternatives include using either "specific" or "unique" alone, or employing phrases like "distinct unique" or "particular unique" to maintain clarity without redundancy. Using these more precise alternatives can significantly enhance the quality and clarity of your writing.

FAQs

Why is the phrase "their specific unique" considered incorrect?

The phrase "their specific unique" is often considered incorrect because it's redundant. The words "specific" and "unique" both imply distinctiveness, so using them together is generally unnecessary and can weaken your writing. Use either "specific" or "unique" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What are some alternatives to using "their specific unique"?

Instead of "their specific unique", you can use alternatives like "their distinct unique", "their particular unique", or simply "their specific" or "their unique" depending on the context. Using one word avoids redundancy and keeps your writing concise.

In what contexts might I see the phrase "their specific unique" used?

While grammatically questionable, "their specific unique" might appear in informal contexts or in writing where the author is not paying close attention to redundancy. However, it's best to avoid it in formal writing. Be alert for such usages and consider rephrasing for greater clarity.

How can I ensure my writing is free of redundancies like "their specific unique"?

To avoid redundancies, carefully review your writing and ask yourself if each word is necessary. Look for phrases where two or more words have overlapping meanings. Tools like Ludwig can help identify potential redundancies, suggesting more concise alternatives.

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Source & Trust

68%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: