Kindly specify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Kindly specify" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to request someone to provide more details or clarification about a particular subject or request. Example: "In order to assist you better, could you kindly specify the exact requirements for the project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Specify vegan requirements.

The New York Times

He declined to specify.

The New York Times

Specify everything.

WikiHow

RAW 264.7 monocytes were seeded onto Corning Bone Cell Assay Surfaces [28] (kindly provided by Corning Life Sciences) and cultured in the culture media specified above.

Plosone

Sepabeads EC-EP (standard grade; specified particle size 150-300 μm; pore size 30-40 nm) were kindly provided by Resindion (Milan, Italy).

BMC Biotechnology

Not specified.

The New York Times

He specifies a sword.

The New Yorker

Seasons were not specified.

The New York Times

No stipend was specified.

The New York Times - Arts

"Switzerland," Rumsfeld specified.

The New Yorker

No amounts are specified.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Kindly specify" when requesting detailed information in a polite and professional manner. It's particularly useful in formal correspondence and customer service contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "Kindly specify" in casual conversations or informal settings. It can sound overly formal or even sarcastic if the situation doesn't warrant such politeness. Simpler phrases like "Please specify" or "Can you explain?" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Kindly specify" functions as a polite request for detailed information. It prompts the recipient to provide specific details or clarification on a particular matter. This phrase seeks to elicit a more precise and comprehensive response.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Kindly specify" is a grammatically correct and formal way to request detailed information or clarification. Ludwig AI indicates that while it is a valid phrase, examples of its usage are scarce. Its register is decidedly formal and professional, making it best suited for business correspondence or customer service. Alternatives such as ""please clarify"" or ""could you elaborate"" may be more appropriate in less formal contexts. While "Kindly specify" is polite, avoid overusing it in casual settings where it could sound overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Please clarify

A simpler and more direct request for clarification.

Could you elaborate

Asks for more information but is less demanding than "Kindly specify".

Provide further clarification

Focuses on the need for more clarity.

Please provide details

More direct and less formal than "Kindly specify".

Describe in detail

Emphasizes the need for a thorough description.

Can you be more specific

Requests a narrowing of focus or more precise information.

Specify, if you would

More formal, adding a touch of politeness.

Detail your requirements

Specifically asks for a detailed list of needs.

Itemize your requests

Asks for a list, with each request as a separate item.

Give us the specifics

More informal and direct request for particular details.

FAQs

How to use "Kindly specify" in a sentence?

You can use "Kindly specify" when you need someone to provide more details or clarification in a polite way. For example: "In order to process your request, could you kindly specify the exact model number?"

What can I say instead of "Kindly specify"?

You can use alternatives like "please clarify", "could you elaborate", or "please provide details" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "Kindly specify"?

"Kindly specify" is appropriate in formal settings, such as when making a request to customer service, writing a business email, or when asking for detailed information in an official context.

Is "Kindly specify" too formal for casual conversation?

Yes, "Kindly specify" may be perceived as too formal or even sarcastic in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "Can you explain?" or "What do you mean?" are more suitable for informal contexts.