avoid specifics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoid specifics" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to speak in general terms rather than providing detailed information. Example: "In your presentation, try to avoid specifics to keep the audience engaged and focused on the main ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

On women's issues, as on others, Ms. McMahon often tends to avoid specifics.

The New York Times

Both candidates, though especially Mr. Romney, are calculating they can avoid specifics and focus on the other guy's deficiencies.

The New York Times

Time up for Mr Riyale, perhaps.Like a proper election anywhere, the candidates avoid specifics, devoting their time to attacking one another.

The Economist

When I ask roundtable officials and other lobbyists about this contradiction, they show an impressive ability to avoid specifics and stick to their talking points.

The New York Times

Even couples may avoid specifics in talking about money, second jobs, travel, where to live and the needs of adult children and aging parents, he said.

The New York Times

But in general, the committee allowed the chiefs to avoid specifics, although they promised to talk to the legislators more openly in private session.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

So, too, were the policy review groups, designed to avoid specific policy commitments three years before the next election.

The Guardian

Central banks generally avoid specific statements about long-term plans, to preserve flexibility and to avoid the need for apologies.

The New York Times

Because the Court is not a campaign issue the candidates can avoid specific legal questions and promises sought by single-issue voters.

The New Yorker

However, patients who need to avoid specific allergens do not rely exclusively on ingredient labels.

Environmental Sciences Europe

In 2010, O'Rourke said, GoodGuide's users increasingly turned to the app to avoid specific known toxic or disagreeable ingredients.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting sensitive information, it's often better to "avoid specifics" to protect privacy or confidentiality.

Common error

Be careful to not "avoid specifics" to the point that your message becomes unclear or misleading. Provide enough context for understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid specifics" functions as a directive or recommendation. It advises against providing detailed information, as highlighted in the Ludwig examples. It's often used when discussing strategies for communication or handling sensitive information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "avoid specifics" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that advises against providing detailed information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across various contexts, primarily in news, science, and business. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to balance discretion with clarity to avoid misinterpretations. Related phrases include "evade details" and "remain vague", offering alternative ways to express the concept. When using this phrase, ensure that you are not being overly vague, and provide sufficient context to support understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evade details

Focuses on actively dodging or escaping from providing detailed information.

skirt around the issue

Suggests avoiding a topic without directly addressing it.

remain vague

Emphasizes a lack of clarity or precision in communication.

keep it general

Advises sticking to broad terms and concepts.

speak in generalities

Implies using general statements without getting into specifics.

gloss over the details

Suggests a quick and superficial treatment of specific information.

be noncommittal

Indicates a reluctance to express a definite opinion or make a firm commitment.

hedge one's bets

Implies avoiding a clear position to protect oneself from potential risks.

equivocate

Means using ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid committing to a specific position.

dance around the subject

Suggests indirectly addressing a topic, avoiding direct engagement.

FAQs

How can I use "avoid specifics" in a sentence?

You can use "avoid specifics" when advising someone to speak in general terms rather than providing detailed information, for example: "In your presentation, try to avoid specifics to keep the audience engaged and focused on the main ideas".

What's a formal alternative to "avoid specifics"?

A more formal alternative could be to "evade details", especially in official reports or business communications.

What does it mean to "avoid specifics"?

To "avoid specifics" means to refrain from providing detailed or precise information, typically to keep something confidential or to avoid being pinned down on a particular stance.

When is it appropriate to "avoid specifics"?

It's appropriate to "avoid specifics" when discussing sensitive topics, negotiating a deal, or in situations where providing too much detail could be detrimental. Other options are to "keep it general" or to "skirt around the issue".