as specific as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as specific as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the level of detail or precision of one thing to another. Example: "The instructions need to be as specific as possible to avoid any confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes the rules aren't as specific as, as one would expect.

The New York Times

That's as specific as he gets.

The Economist

Please be as specific as possible.

Stanford University

Create a shopping list and be as specific as possible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That pronoun -- "I" -- is as specific as the sales figure.

The New York Times - Arts

That's about as specific as the book gets.

The Guardian - Books

But that is as specific as the report gets.

The Guardian - Business

If you could be as specific as possible.

The New York Times - Arts

"Our rules are not as specific as that," Pensinger said.

The Washington Post

Please be as specific as possible with your request.

Yale University

"The data are not as clear or as specific as we would like," Dr. Schultz said.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, aim to be "as specific as" possible to minimize misunderstandings and ensure accurate execution.

Common error

Avoid using vague language when detail is needed. Ensure instructions, descriptions, or requirements are "as specific as" necessary to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as specific as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that something should possess a certain level of detail or precision, often in comparison to an implied or stated standard. Ludwig provides examples where it's used to emphasize the need for clarity and accuracy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as specific as" is a grammatically sound and widely used comparative phrase. According to Ludwig, it’s frequently employed to stress the importance of clarity and precision in communication. You'll find it most often in news, academic, and wiki contexts, suggesting a neutral register suitable for various situations. Remember to use "as specific as" when you want to encourage detail and avoid ambiguity. By being attentive to context and source, you can effectively leverage "as specific as" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as detailed as

Focuses more on the level of detail provided.

as precise as

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness.

as exact as

Highlights the accuracy and lack of ambiguity.

as clear as

Stresses the absence of confusion or vagueness.

as explicit as

Indicates that something is stated directly and unambiguously.

as definite as

Highlights the certainty and lack of ambiguity.

as particular as

Implies a focus on individual details.

to the same degree of specificity

Rephrases the comparison using a more formal tone and a different grammatical structure.

with equal precision

Focuses on the level of exactness being equal.

in similar detail

Highlights the similarity in the amount of detail provided.

FAQs

How can I use "as specific as" in a sentence?

You can use "as specific as" to compare the level of detail or precision between two things, like "The instructions should be "as specific as" possible" or "His description wasn't "as specific as" I needed it to be".

What are some alternatives to "as specific as"?

Some alternatives include "as detailed as", "as precise as", or "as explicit as", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be "as specific as" possible or to be more general?

It depends on the context. Being "as specific as" possible is usually preferable when clarity and accuracy are crucial, such as in instructions or technical descriptions. However, in creative writing or casual conversation, being too specific might feel unnatural.

What does it mean to be "as specific as" possible?

To be "as specific as" possible means to provide as much detail and clarity as the situation requires, leaving no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation. It involves using precise language and avoiding vague or general terms.