Specific: clearly identified details

The idea

Put specific before a noun, or use specific to to link something to the thing it belongs to.

Examples

• Please give me a specific date for the meeting.
• The guide answered a specific question about the route.
• This tool was designed for a specific task.
• Do you have a specific reason for changing the plan?
• The instructions are specific to this machine.
• Instead of saying the service was slow, she mentioned a specific delay.

Watch out

A specific detail is not automatically accurate: it can be clearly stated and still be wrong.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the word that identifies a clear example. We need a ___ example, not a vague suggestion. (specific / general)

   Show answer or example answer

   specific

   Specific fits because the example should be identifiable rather than vague.

2. Choose the preposition that connects the rules to the laboratory. These safety rules are specific ___ this laboratory. (to / at)

   Show answer or example answer

   to

   To links the rules to the laboratory they apply to.

3. Choose the word asking for clearer detail. Please be more ___ about which file you need. (specific / random)

   Show answer or example answer

   specific

   Specific asks the person to identify the needed file more clearly.

Use it today

Give a specific reason for choosing a place.