I was unspecific

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was unspecific" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging that you did not provide clear or detailed information in a previous statement or context. Example: "In my earlier explanation, I realize now that I was unspecific about the project requirements, which may have caused confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The influence of three examined phosphotyrosine kinase inhibitors on integrin mediated tumour cell adhesion to collagen I was unspecific.

BMC Gastroenterology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

David: It's very direct and raw but most importantly, it's unspecific.

Independent

Yes, "appealing" sounds bland and unappreciative, and it's unspecific, but the radiance and the warmth that come from Poehler are general and broad in the best way, and they offer a universal welcome.

The New Yorker

He was unspecific on possible perpetrators: "Whether it's competitors, people angry with it [Bear], whatever, I don't know".

The Guardian - Business

But other officials disputed that, saying the information was unspecific but had been collected from several sources.

The New York Times

In a blue shirt that was unspecific enough that it did not reveal his allegiance to any local team.

The New York Times - Sports

His message, limited as it was to 140 characters or fewer, was unspecific and lacking in context.

The New York Times

FCO North Africa Group Head Rob Dixon told us October 22 that Qadhafi apparently complained about the Scots' treatment of Megrahi, but that complaint was unspecific and hasn't been repeated.

The Guardian

As this indication was unspecific, it was not included in the figure.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Histopathology of the lesions was unspecific (chronic ulcer), and he had no systemic disease associated.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Fig. 3(C) shows that the nucleolytic activity of LZ35 was unspecific.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was unspecific", follow up with clarifying details to correct the initial lack of clarity. This shows accountability and improves understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "I was unspecific" as a way to deflect responsibility. Instead, take ownership by explaining what you should have specified and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was unspecific" functions as a statement of self-assessment, acknowledging a deficiency in the level of detail provided in prior communication. The sentence from Ludwig indicates this acknowledgment of insufficient detail.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was unspecific" is a grammatically correct and usable expression used to acknowledge a previous lack of detail or clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively rare, its applications span both scientific and news contexts. Following best practices involves clarifying the initial statement to correct any potential misunderstandings. Alternatives include "I lacked detail" or "I was vague", with the best choice depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I lacked detail

Focuses on the absence of specific information provided.

I was vague

Highlights the lack of clarity in the statement.

I was not detailed

Emphasizes the omission of specific information.

I was imprecise

Indicates a lack of exactness or accuracy.

I didn't specify

Highlights the failure to mention particulars.

I generalized

Suggests making a broad statement without specific examples.

I left out specifics

Focuses on the omission of particular details.

I was indefinite

Suggests that the statement was not clearly defined.

I was broad

Highlights that the statement lacked limitations or constraints.

I kept it general

Emphasizes the conscious choice to avoid specific details.

FAQs

What does "I was unspecific" mean?

The phrase "I was unspecific" means that the speaker realizes they didn't provide enough detail or clarity in a previous statement.

How can I use "I was unspecific" in a sentence?

You can use "I was unspecific" to acknowledge a lack of detail in a previous explanation, followed by a more precise explanation. For instance, "I was unspecific in my initial instructions; let me clarify."

Which is a better phrase to use, "I was unspecific" or "I was vague"?

Both "I was unspecific" and "I was vague" are valid, but "unspecific" focuses on the lack of detail, while "vague" highlights a lack of clarity. Choose the one that best reflects your intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "I was unspecific"?

You can use alternatives like "I lacked detail", "I didn't specify", or "I generalized" depending on the nuance you want to convey.