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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
are being specified
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "are being specified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is currently being defined or detailed. Example: "The parameters for the project are being specified in the meeting today."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(19)
are being outlined
are being identified
are being clarified
are being classified
are being disclosed
are being certified
are being verified
are being withdrawn
are being served
are being cut
are being kidnapped
are being popped
are being pointed
are being shortsighted
are being psychiatrized
are being created
are being restored
are being overlooked
are being addressed
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
Locations and causes of thermodynamic losses in thermochemical TES systems are being specified using exergy analysis.
Science
Both engineering models are being specified in dimensions, components, mass and energy flows.
Science
Living wages are being specified for private firms bidding for public contracts, and being adopted by high profile employers like KPMG and Barclays for their own contracted workers.
News & Media
Technical solutions for multi-hop wireless networks are being specified in IEEE 802.11s [2].
Several standards that have been or are being specified for the next-generation mobile broadband communication systems [4] already included the relay-aided transmission, e.g., long-term evolution-advanced (LTE-A), IEEE 802.16j, and IEEE 802.16m.
The model of iron phenomenology in normal mice of different iron status is the basis for further development of a whole-body model, in which the homogenous compartments are being specified by internal kinetic models of different pertinent cell types.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
Close attention to what is being specified in consent forms about commercial use of participants' data and samples, and end results, is advisable.
Science
A specification document prepared last year when the site was being designed specified that "[t]he corporate tax structure will be aligned to that of the Irish website".
News & Media
Lighting and heating can be controlled remotely, and smart toilets are increasingly being specified to improve hygiene and increase independence.
News & Media
GMPLS is currently being specified as the control plane for next generation optical networks.
Science
A long sentence of random letters is complex without being specified.
Wiki
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "are being specified", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the specifying and what aspects are being defined. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "are being specified" excessively in contexts where active voice would be more direct and concise. For instance, instead of "The requirements are being specified by the team", consider "The team is specifying the requirements".
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "are being specified" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating an ongoing process of defining or detailing something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.
Frequent in
Science
43%
News & Media
29%
Academia
14%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
7%
Wiki
7%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "are being specified" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed passive verb construction, signifying the ongoing process of defining or detailing something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It finds its niche predominantly in scientific, news media, and academic contexts, where precision and formal tone are valued. While contextually versatile, opting for active voice may enhance clarity in certain scenarios. Remember, clarity on who is specifying is key. Alternatives like "are currently defined" or "are presently detailed" can subtly shift the emphasis.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
are undergoing specification
This alternative highlights the act of specification as something that is being experienced or subjected to.
are in the process of specification
This rephrasing uses a nominalization to describe the state of specification as an ongoing process.
are currently defined
This alternative replaces "being specified" with a direct synonym focusing on the act of definition at the present moment.
are under definition
This short, more succinct substitution keeps the same meaning.
are presently detailed
Here, "detailed" substitutes "specified", highlighting the aspect of providing comprehensive information in the current context.
are now delineated
"Delineated" emphasizes the act of clearly marking boundaries or outlines, a more formal synonym for specifying.
are actively determined
This variant shifts the focus to the ongoing process of establishing or deciding upon the specifics.
are actively designated
Focuses on the act of formally choosing or naming something for a specific purpose.
are being laid down
This option uses a more idiomatic expression implying the establishment of rules or requirements.
are having their conditions set
This phrase emphasizes the establishment of particular conditions as the core activity.
FAQs
How can I use "are being specified" in a sentence?
Use "are being specified" to indicate that something is currently in the process of being defined or detailed. For example: "The project requirements are being specified by the stakeholders."
What's a good alternative to "are being specified"?
Alternatives include "are currently defined", "are presently detailed", or "are actively determined", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to use active or passive voice with "are being specified"?
While grammatically correct, "are being specified" is in the passive voice. If clarity and directness are priorities, consider rewriting in the active voice. For instance, instead of "The rules are being specified by the committee", use "The committee is specifying the rules".
What does "are being specified" mean in the context of a contract?
In a contract, "are being specified" means that the particular terms, conditions, or requirements are in the process of being clearly and explicitly stated within the contract document.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested