be more specific in

USAGE SUMMARY

'be more specific in' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to request that a person provide more detail or information about a particular topic or subject. For example, "Please be more specific in your description of your research project so I can better understand its purpose."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Asked to be more specific in defining Kabbalah, his response is at times hard to follow.

The Guardian

"I have spent the last year telling students to be more specific in their writing.

The Guardian

Therefore, we needed to be more specific in regards to what we were going to produce.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It also requires newspapers to be more specific in disclosing how they account for their sales to hotel guests.

The New York Times

Justice Kennedy said the Corps needed to be more specific in defining the tributaries that count for this purpose.

The New York Times

Mr. Kasich plans to be more specific in meetings over the next few days with the party's many factions.

The New York Times

In Africa and, to be more specific, in Nigeria, there is a wide diversity of languages and customs.

Advances in Space Research

"It has become more common for judges to take electronic equipment away and be more specific in jury instructions about electronic communications," he added.

The New York Times

He said in an interview that he could not be more specific in his charges of drug-testing deficiencies, on advice of lawyers, and that he was contemplating filing a lawsuit against the U.S.O.C.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was talking to a group that knew each other well, that I knew well," he said, responding to a question about why he had felt he could be more specific in his remarks than the pope would be later.

The New York Times

During the congressional interview, which became testy at times as Democratic lawmakers pressed him to be more specific in his answers, Prince repeatedly complained that he had reason to believe U.S. intelligence agencies were leaking information about his activities.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "be more specific in" their explanation, frame your request politely and explain why you need more detail. This helps ensure a cooperative response.

Common error

Avoid simply telling someone to "be more specific in" general terms. Instead, pinpoint exactly what information you need clarified to guide their response effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be more specific in" functions as an imperative request, urging the recipient to provide additional details or clarification on a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The numerous examples available in Ludwig demonstrate its widespread use across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

35%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be more specific in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for requesting detailed information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, supported by numerous real-world examples. It's most commonly employed in news, scientific and academic contexts, reflecting its need for precise communication. When using this phrase, frame your request politely and pinpoint what information needs clarification to ensure a cooperative and effective exchange. Remember to avoid vagueness and to be mindful of the context to maintain a respectful tone. By following these guidelines, you can master the art of asking for more detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be more explicit about

Suggests a need for greater directness and unambiguity in communication.

specify further regarding

Emphasizes the need to provide more specific details on a particular aspect.

offer a more precise explanation of

Asks for a clearer and more accurate account or interpretation.

define more exactly regarding

Requests a more precise definition or explanation.

provide more detail about

Emphasizes the need for additional information regarding a subject.

go into greater depth on

Suggests a more thorough examination or analysis of a topic.

give a fuller account of

Encourages a more complete and comprehensive description of an event or situation.

elaborate further on

Focuses on providing more details and expanding on a previous statement.

expand on your explanation of

Implies a need to broaden the scope of an existing explanation.

clarify your point on

Highlights the importance of making a particular idea or argument more understandable.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone to "be more specific in" their explanation?

You can phrase your request by saying, "Could you "elaborate on" that point a bit more?" or "Could you "provide more detail about" X?".

What's the difference between "be more specific in" and "be more explicit about"?

"Be more specific in" asks for more detail, while "be more explicit about" suggests being more direct and clear, leaving no room for ambiguity. The best choice depends on whether you need more information or clearer language.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "be more specific in"?

It's appropriate when you need a clearer understanding of a topic, when instructions are vague, or when initial statements lack necessary detail. In academic writing, asking the author to "be more specific in" their methodology ensures clarity and reproducibility.

Are there instances where I should avoid using "be more specific in"?

Avoid using it when you want the person to summarize their message or to "be more concise". Also, avoid it when the context calls for tact and diplomacy, as it can sometimes sound demanding.