a specification of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specification of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when detailing or describing specific requirements, features, or characteristics of something. Example: "The document includes a specification of the technical requirements for the new software system."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is not something you can set but a specification of the monitor itself.

The New York Times - Tech

"Prior to that we worked extensively with the council and our contractors to draw up a specification of works.

The Guardian - Opinion

As refiled, the murder charge now includes a specification of premeditation, an element that had been removed in the pretrial agreement.

The New York Times

It follows that the determination of the rightness or wrongness of the boycott should begin not with a moral calculus of either nations or persons, but with a specification of what business universities are in, which will also be a specification of what activities are appropriate to university professors and a specification of the proper scope of academic freedom.

The New York Times

In order to produce a specification of good practical teaching, Silver and her deputy have begun by looking at good teachers within their college and discussing with them what works.

The Guardian

A rate is a special type of proportion that includes a specification of time, and the numerator of the proportion is included in the denominator.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One must first provide a specification of the goal or end (telos) of living.

SEP

Any other practical judgment is a specification of this one and thus includes it.

SEP

Their 'exposition' amount to a specification of the underlying logical structure of the sentence.

SEP

Each instruction contained a specification of the location of the next.

SEP

Underlying physical molecular forces are captured at this scale by a specification of the energy field.

Journal of Computational Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specification of", ensure that the details you provide are clear, concise, and directly relevant to the subject at hand. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your audience understands the specific aspects you are defining.

Common error

Avoid using "a specification of" when the context requires a more general overview. Ensure the level of detail is appropriate for the intended audience and purpose, not so general as to be meaningless or so specific as to be overwhelming.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specification of" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It introduces a detailed description or set of requirements that define something precisely. It is used to clarify the specifics of a subject, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specification of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that introduces a detailed description or set of requirements. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s particularly common in formal, scientific, and technical contexts where precision is crucial. Its purpose is to provide clarity and eliminate ambiguity. While alternatives like "a detailed account of" or "a precise definition of" exist, "a specification of" is best used when a thorough and exact detailing is required, as evidenced by the numerous examples available in Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precise definition of

Highlights accuracy and exactness in the definition provided.

an exact description of

Indicates a high level of accuracy and fidelity in portraying something.

a clear delineation of

Highlights the act of clearly marking boundaries or distinctions.

a detailed account of

Emphasizes thoroughness and completeness in the description.

an explicit statement of

Emphasizes the direct and unambiguous nature of the declaration.

a thorough breakdown of

Suggests a comprehensive analysis and explanation of the elements involved.

a comprehensive outline of

Focuses on providing a broad and inclusive overview of the topic.

a formal characterization of

Implies a structured and standardized description, often in a technical or academic context.

a technical description of

Indicates a description focusing on technical details and aspects.

an itemized list of

Highlights the presentation of details in a structured, point-by-point format.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a specification of" in a sentence?

Use "a specification of" when you want to detail the exact characteristics, requirements, or components of something. For instance, "The contract includes a specification of the materials required."

What are some alternatives to using "a specification of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a detailed account of", "a precise definition of", or "an exact description of".

Is there a difference between "a description of" and "a specification of"?

While both describe something, "a specification of" implies a more detailed and precise account, often including technical or formal requirements, whereas "a description of" can be more general.

In what contexts is "a specification of" most appropriate?

"A specification of" is particularly suitable in technical, scientific, or formal contexts where precise details are necessary, such as in contracts, engineering documents, or research papers.