on the specific vs on a specific

Both "on the specific" and "on a specific" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "On the specific" is used when referring to a particular, previously mentioned specific item or topic. On the other hand, "on a specific" is used when introducing a new specific item or topic.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1041 views

on the specific

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a particular, previously mentioned specific item or topic.

Use "on the specific" when you want to refer to a specific item or topic that has already been mentioned or is known to the listener.

Examples:

Let's focus on the specific details of the project.
Could you elaborate on the specific issues you encountered?
The report will provide information on the specific requirements.
She is an expert on the specific area of law.
The training will cover the specific skills needed for the job.

Show examples from the web [+]

It focuses on the specific characteristics of women's unemployment in the European Union.
installation instructions, including information on the specific operating pressures that the product is suitable for,
(3) Person to be contacted for further details on the specific warning requested, who may be different from the EWS officer of the DG.
Person to be contacted for further details on the specific warning requested, who may be different from the EWS officer of the DG.
We welcome the emphasis placed on the specific training needs required if we are going to provide quality employment.
The Governing Board shall decide on the specific necessities.
Adverse events associated with the use of ritonavir as a pharmacokinetic enhancer are dependent on the specific co-administered PI.
More detailed information on the specific obligations is set out in the CVMP assessment report.
More detailed information on the specific obligations is set out in the CVMP assessment report.
What is under discussion today is merely a new consultation on the specific issue of comitology.
However, the CFI judgment was based on the specific circumstances of that case.
I will end by commenting on the specific issues that fall within my competence.
The next item is the Commission statement on the specific technological research and development programme.
Fostering good governance requires a pragmatic approach based on the specific context of each country.
This proposal is also largely based on the Commission document on the specific programme.
'Fostering good governance requires a pragmatic approach based on the specific context of each country.
At the moment there is not even a draft of the Commission proposal on the specific legislation available.
An explanation was provided on the specific issues, claiming that the procedure applied had been regular.
The Council has not taken a position on the specific report mentioned by the Honourable Member.
The Commission cannot comment, however, on the specific reasons for imbalances in individual Member States.

Alternatives:

on that specific
on this specific
on those specific
on these specific
on such specific

on a specific

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when introducing a new specific item or topic.

Use "on a specific" when you want to introduce a specific item or topic that has not been mentioned before or is new to the conversation.