I specifically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I specifically" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a particular detail or aspect of what you are discussing. Example: "I specifically mentioned the deadline in my last email to ensure everyone was aware."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I specifically excluded them".

The New York Times

I specifically said, no children".

The New Yorker

I specifically remember Jennie Garth.

The New York Times - Arts

"I specifically ensured that was the case.

The Guardian

And why do I specifically care about this?

The Guardian - Opinion

"I specifically remember … the concierge introduced me to Sir Frederick.

The Guardian - Business

"I specifically don't use the word culture," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"He (Kagame) and I specifically discussed this," Blair said.

The Guardian

"I specifically wanted to do that," he admitted.

Independent

And I specifically said, I am not requesting the funds".

The New York Times

I specifically did not include comprehensive capital account liberalization.... 8) Privatization.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I specifically" to highlight a particular point or action you want to emphasize, ensuring clarity and focus for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "I specifically" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and self-centered. Vary your language by using alternatives like "particularly", "expressly", or rephrasing the sentence to emphasize the point directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I specifically" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause to add emphasis. It highlights the speaker's intention to be precise and deliberate. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I specifically" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a particular detail or action, adding clarity and focus to your communication. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "I particularly" or "I expressly" exist, "I specifically" offers a direct and unambiguous way to highlight your intentions. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding repetitive. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively leverage "I specifically" to enhance the precision of your writing and speaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I particularly

Replaces "specifically" with "particularly", indicating a strong preference or focus.

I expressly

Uses "expressly" to convey a sense of clarity and directness in the statement.

I explicitly

Emphasizes that something was stated clearly and without ambiguity.

I clearly

Highlights the clarity with which something was communicated or understood.

I definitely

Indicates a firm and unambiguous statement or action.

I precisely

Suggests accuracy and exactness in the statement or action.

I intentionally

Focuses on the deliberate nature of the action.

I knowingly

Implies awareness and understanding in the action or statement.

I consciously

Indicates that the action was performed with full awareness and intent.

To be precise, I

Introduces a clarification to emphasize accuracy and detail.

FAQs

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

Use "I specifically" to emphasize a particular action, detail, or requirement. For example, "I specifically asked for low foam on my latte."

What can I say instead of "I specifically"?

You can use alternatives like "I particularly", "I expressly", or "I explicitly" to convey a similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

Is it redundant to say "I specifically remember"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "I specifically remember" can be considered slightly redundant as remembering already implies a specific instance. You can often shorten it to "I remember" for a more concise expression.

Which is more formal, "I specifically" or "I expressly"?

"I expressly" carries a slightly more formal tone than "I specifically". Choose "expressly" when a higher degree of formality is required, such as in legal or official contexts.