Please specify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Please specify" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when requesting more detailed information or clarification on a particular topic. Example: "In order to assist you better, please specify the exact issue you are facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Please specify the Ward Miller Fund for Pancreatic Cancer Research.

The New York Times

Please specify whether you mean for the regime or the society.

The New York Times

Please specify your gift to go to the computer science department, in memory of Steven A. Gold.

The New York Times

Please specify OPT OUT in your entry if you DO NOT wish to be informed by email of future competitions and promotions by The Independent.

Independent

Please specify differences or similarities.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Please specify Mechanical Engineering Club when making a donation.

Huffington Post

Please specify.

BMC Health Services Research

Please specify in the figure legend.

eLife

Please specify …. 3. What is the outcome for the patient?

Global Health Action

Please specify sample conditions (path length, concentration) for both types of spectroscopic measurements.

F1000Research

Please specify more clearly about the network aspects, you are referring to.

F1000Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Please specify", ensure the context makes it clear what information you are requesting. Be direct and concise to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "Please specify" without indicating what needs specification. Always provide context to guide the recipient in providing the necessary details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Please specify" functions as an imperative, directly requesting the recipient to provide more detailed or precise information. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct and widely applicable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Please specify" is a grammatically sound and frequently used imperative to solicit more detailed information. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and broad applicability across diverse contexts, notably in scientific, news media, and formal business settings. While versatile, clarity in its usage is crucial to ensure effective communication. Alternatives like "please clarify" or "could you elaborate" offer stylistic variations, and understanding its common errors helps refine writing for enhanced precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Can you clarify

Direct request for clarification on a specific point.

Give more specifics

Focuses on concrete and precise information.

Could you elaborate

More polite and indirect way of asking for more details.

Please detail

Similar to specify but emphasizes providing extensive information.

Explain in more detail

Asks for a more thorough explanation.

Provide further details

A more formal way to ask for additional information.

Be more explicit

Emphasizes the need for clear and unambiguous information.

What are the specifics

Inquires about the precise details of something.

Expand on that

Requests additional information on a previously mentioned topic.

Offer a more precise definition

Asks for a more accurate and detailed definition.

FAQs

How can I use "Please specify" in a sentence?

Use "Please specify" to request more detailed information. For example, "Please specify the type of error you encountered" or "Please specify your preferred date for the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "Please specify"?

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

When is it appropriate to use "Please specify"?

It's appropriate to use "Please specify" when you need more precise or detailed information about something that has been mentioned or is being requested.

Is "Please specify" formal or informal?

"Please specify" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal and is suitable for professional, academic, and general communication.