a bit more specific

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit more specific" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used when asking for more specific information or details about something that has already been mentioned. Example: "Can you please provide a bit more specific information about the project timeline? I would like to know the exact dates for each phase." In this sentence, the speaker is asking for more detailed information about the project timeline that has previously been mentioned.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Ms. Bedell was a bit more specific.

The New York Times

Maybe they need to be a bit more specific.

The New York Times - Magazine

4.05pm BST Now Gul gets a bit more specific on the war to his south.

The Guardian

Can you be a bit more specific about particular times or instances I wasn't creative?

Harvard Business Review

But it would help if you were to be a bit more specific as to precisely what you are after.

Columbia University

Mr. Jospin has been a bit more specific, saying that he will not support an amnesty for "serious" traffic infractions and those that would have resulted in points against a driver's license.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Diversity is, you're getting people from all different sorts of background working together and that's great, but then as a company you need to develop a strategy that's a little bit more specific.

TechCrunch

So, typically our clients are thinking not just about diversity of thought, but diversity of demographic background and how do we make sure we're building teams that reflect our users, that reflect the communities we're a part of and that allows you to get a little bit more specific about what that word means for you as a company.

TechCrunch

"I have to be a little bit more specific with where I throw the baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

And secondly, would you be able to be a little bit more specific about the commitments that you secured today with regards to increasing the financial commitment?

The Washington Post

So, let me get a little bit more specific about what we mean by nodal plane and where the idea of nodal plane comes from, and nodal planes arise from any place you have angular nodes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking for clarification, use "a bit more specific" to gently guide the speaker towards providing the exact information you need. This avoids sounding demanding or accusatory.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I don't understand". Instead, prompt with "Could you be "a bit more specific" about which part is unclear?" This helps the speaker address the specific area of confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit more specific" functions as a request for greater precision or detail. It commonly serves as a polite way to ask someone to clarify or elaborate on a statement or instruction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

14%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bit more specific" is a common and grammatically correct way to request greater detail or clarification. As per Ludwig AI, it is widely used in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and academic settings, it serves to gently guide speakers toward offering precise information. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the context and intent of seeking better understanding, such as asking for more precise requirements or explaining areas of confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide more details

Focuses on supplying additional information.

elaborate further

Suggests expanding on a previous statement.

be more precise

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness.

offer greater clarity

Highlights the need for improved understanding.

go into greater depth

Indicates a need for a more thorough explanation.

give a clearer picture

Aims to provide a better understanding through detailed explanation.

specify further

Suggests adding more detail to an existing specification.

clarify the specifics

Requests that the exact details be made clearer.

define more clearly

Focuses on making the definition less ambiguous.

be more explicit

Stresses the need for direct and unambiguous communication.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit more specific" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit more specific" when you need someone to provide additional details or clarification. For instance, "Could you be "a bit more specific" about the requirements for this project?"

What's a good alternative to "a bit more specific"?

Alternatives to "a bit more specific" include "provide more details", "elaborate further", or "be more precise" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to ask someone to be "a bit more specific"?

It is appropriate to ask someone to be "a bit more specific" when their explanation is too general or vague, and you require more detailed information to fully understand their point or instructions.

What's the difference between asking for "more details" and asking someone to be "a bit more specific"?

Asking for "more details" is a general request for additional information. Asking someone to be "a bit more specific" implies that you need details focused on a particular aspect that is currently unclear.