are specified

USAGE SUMMARY

"are specified" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing specific criteria or elements that have already been defined. For example, "The rules of the competition are specified in the handbook."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No amounts are specified.

The New York Times

Three modes are specified.

Cornell University

No criteria for eligibility are specified.

The Economist

Values are specified by '<type>/<value>' strings.

The Guardian

are specified in later assistants.

Speech Communication

The few restaurants that have nonsmoking sections are specified.

The New York Times - Travel

These are specified in our published entry requirements.

The Guardian

The requirements by fields are specified here.

Yale University

Culture conditions are specified in the Supplementary information.

Nature

The parameters are specified using experimental data.

Applied Energy

The resulting failure mechanisms are specified.

Composite Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are specified" when you want to clearly indicate that certain conditions, details, or requirements have been explicitly stated and defined.

Common error

Avoid using "are specified" in informal writing or conversations where more casual language would be more appropriate. Consider using simpler alternatives like "are listed" or "are defined" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are specified" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of being defined or detailed. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

Academia

30%

News & Media

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are specified" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase, primarily functioning to indicate that certain details, conditions, or requirements have been explicitly stated. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase appears most frequently in scientific and academic contexts, emphasizing clarity and precision. While generally formal, it's important to consider the appropriateness of tone and register, opting for simpler alternatives in more informal settings. The high frequency of the phrase across reputable sources supports its reliability and correctness for formal written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been defined

Emphasizes a completed action of defining, rather than a current state of being defined.

have been designated

Focuses on the act of officially assigning or indicating something.

are stipulated

Highlights a formal agreement or requirement that has been laid out.

are outlined

Suggests a summary or brief presentation of the details.

are determined

Implies a process of discovery or decision-making that leads to the specifications.

are set forth

Conveys a formal and explicit presentation of rules or conditions.

are prescribed

Highlights the act of officially recommending or setting out a course of action.

are detailed

Emphasizes the presence of comprehensive and thorough information.

are cataloged

Suggests a systematic listing or classification of items.

are identified

Focuses on the act of recognizing and pointing out specific elements.

FAQs

How to use "are specified" in a sentence?

The phrase "are specified" is used to indicate that certain details or conditions have been explicitly stated or defined. For example, "The requirements for the project are specified in the project guidelines."

What can I say instead of "are specified"?

You can use alternatives like "are defined", "are outlined", or "are stipulated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are specified" or "is specified"?

"Are specified" is used with plural subjects, while "is specified" is used with singular subjects. For example, "The rules are specified" versus "The rule is specified".

What's the difference between "are specified" and "are listed"?

"Are specified" implies that details are explicitly stated with precision, whereas "are listed" simply means that items are enumerated without necessarily providing extensive details.