this specific question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this specific question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a particular question that has been mentioned or is being discussed. Example: "In order to provide a clear answer, I need to focus on this specific question."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Many in Congress will be asking this specific question".

The New York Times

The study was designed to address this specific question.

Journal of Affective Disorders

This specific question, like most of this variety, has a technical answer and an actual answer.

The New York Times - Magazine

On this specific question, suburban respondents were closer to city residents: 59percentt of city voters and 47percentt of suburban voters disagreed with the mayor's action.

The New York Times

On this specific question, religious and medical authorities, both Jewish and otherwise, have disagreed – some accepting brainstem death as a criterion of death, others insisting that the only criterion is cessation of cardiac activity.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think search engines are really evolving to give you a set of answers, not just 'type in something and show me some relevant stuff', but 'I have this specific question, answer this question for me,' " he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

In this way, a specific question could be asked whether more recipient LCs at day 100 predicted a greater risk of subsequent chronic GVHD.

Experimental Dermatology

We apply this approach to a specific question: when and how does coevolution result in antiphase cycles?

Nature

Although this survey lacks a specific question about capital spending, answers to questions that are included give the strong impression that service-sector companies are also cutting back.

The New York Times

For users interested in one type of data to address a specific question, this infrastructure is invaluable.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Try and phrase this as specific questions that you would like to know the answers to, e.g. How do I model reflection from surfaces with fine geometric structure, such as fur?

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this specific question" to clearly differentiate a particular inquiry from related or general questions in a discussion or text.

Common error

While "this specific question" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or verbose in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "this question" or "that question" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this specific question" functions as a determiner phrase identifying a particular question being addressed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves to pinpoint and emphasize a certain inquiry within a broader context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

33%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this specific question" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions to highlight a particular query. As Ludwig AI notes, it's most appropriate in neutral to formal contexts, such as scientific research, news reports, and academic discussions. While alternatives like "this particular question" exist, "this specific question" offers clarity and emphasis, particularly when distinguishing between related inquiries. However, remember to consider the audience and context; a simpler phrasing may be preferable in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this particular question

Replaces "specific" with "particular", emphasizing a distinct item within a larger set.

this precise question

Substitutes "specific" with "precise", highlighting accuracy and exactness.

this exact question

Uses "exact" instead of "specific", stressing the identical nature of the inquiry.

the question at hand

Replaces the entire phrase with an idiomatic expression that refers to the current matter being discussed.

the present inquiry

Formal alternative replacing "question" with "inquiry", suitable for academic or formal contexts.

this issue in particular

Broadens the scope from a question to an issue, indicating a problem or subject under consideration.

this matter specifically

Replaces "question" with "matter", focusing on the subject rather than the inquiry itself.

this point of discussion

Refers to a topic that's being actively discussed, rather than a question that is being asked.

the topic in question

Frames the query as a subject under consideration or debate, rather than a direct question.

the central query

Highlights the question as being the most important or fundamental one.

FAQs

How can I use "this specific question" in a sentence?

You can use "this specific question" to refer back to a particular inquiry previously mentioned or to emphasize a question you are about to address. For example: "Many experts have debated this issue, but I want to focus on answering "this specific question"."

What phrases are similar to "this specific question"?

Alternatives to "this specific question" include "this particular question", "this exact question", or "the question at hand". The choice depends on the context and the level of formality desired.

Is it better to say "this specific question" or "this question"?

The best choice depends on the context. "This question" is simpler and works well when the reference is clear. Use "this specific question" when you need to emphasize that you are addressing one particular question among others, or to avoid any ambiguity.

When is it appropriate to use "this specific question"?

Use "this specific question" in situations where you want to clearly distinguish a particular inquiry from related or more general questions. This phrase is especially useful in academic writing, formal discussions, or when clarifying the scope of a debate or study.