But more specifically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "But more specifically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a more detailed or precise explanation following a general statement. Example: "We need to improve our marketing strategy. But more specifically, we should focus on social media engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But more specifically, the Christian doctrine of creation makes the question of evil particularly pressing.

The Guardian - Opinion

But more specifically, we are looking back to the base of this radiation – the point at which the lineages start to diverge from one another.

The Guardian

But more specifically, many experts say that despite Mr. Berlusconi's lead in the polls, the election itself may be inconclusive, largely because of Italy's electoral law.

The New York Times

But more specifically, it's about turning your customers into raving, emotionally-bonded brand passionates.

Forbes

But more specifically, Pinterest has outlined rules against companies that use names that sound too much like its own.

TechCrunch

But more specifically, Magic Pony has been building out technology in the area of image processing and this has an obvious avenue into Twitter's business.

TechCrunch

But more specifically Koding, Nitrous.io and others have rubbed shoulders with the likes of Microsoft, SAP and even Oracle because just about every segment of software development.

TechCrunch

But, more specifically, shred is strength + tread = shred.

HuffPost

But, more specifically, she believes that the mandate is government control of private business.

Huffington Post

But more specifically, the reason Mende's picture was in the paper was because she was continuing a tradition.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Customer engagement is linked to employee engagement--but more specifically happiness.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but more specifically" to smoothly transition from a general statement to a more detailed explanation, ensuring clarity and focus for the reader.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "but more specifically". Vary your transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but more specifically" functions as a transitional expression, primarily used to introduce a more detailed or precise explanation following a general statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. It indicates a shift in focus from a broader topic to a narrower, more particular aspect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but more specifically" serves as a valuable transitional phrase to guide readers from general ideas to precise details. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and versatility make it suitable for various contexts, especially news, science, and business. While widely used, avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "more precisely" or "in particular" for varied expression. By using this phrase thoughtfully, you can enhance the clarity and focus of your writing, providing readers with a deeper understanding of your subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Specifically speaking

Explicitly indicates a shift to a more specific perspective.

In particular

Highlights a specific aspect or detail, similar in function but less emphatic.

More precisely

Focuses on accuracy and detail, removing the contrastive element of "but".

In greater detail

Signals a more comprehensive explanation.

To be more exact

Emphasizes exactness and precision, suitable when correcting or refining a statement.

To elaborate further

Indicates an expansion of the previous statement with additional details.

To put it more clearly

Focuses on improving understanding through clearer expression.

On a more granular level

Suggests a shift to a more detailed and fine-grained analysis.

Digging deeper

Implies a more thorough investigation or explanation.

Narrowing it down

Indicates a movement towards a more focused and specific topic.

FAQs

How can I use "but more specifically" in a sentence?

Use "but more specifically" to introduce a detailed explanation or clarification following a general statement. For example, "We need to improve our marketing strategy, "but more specifically", we should focus on social media engagement".

What are some alternatives to "but more specifically"?

Alternatives include "more precisely", "in particular", or "specifically speaking". The best choice depends on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "but" before "more specifically"?

While "but" often precedes "more specifically" to introduce a contrast or refinement, it's not always mandatory. You can sometimes omit "but" if the transition to a more specific point is logically clear without it, although the inclusion of "but" usually provides a smoother transition.

What's the difference between "but more specifically" and "in particular"?

"But more specifically" implies a contrast or refinement of a previous statement, while "in particular" simply highlights a specific aspect without necessarily implying a contrast. Therefore, "in particular" is appropriate when you want to focus on a specific detail without contrasting it with a broader context.