be specific

USAGE SUMMARY

"be specific" is a valid phrase in English.
It is used to emphasize the importance of specificity when communicating information. For example: "Please be specific when you explain your instructions - it will help ensure there's no confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She wouldn't be specific.

The New York Times - Magazine

Venus, to be specific".

The New York Times

Let me be specific.

The New York Times

To be specific.

The New Yorker

It can be specific.

The New York Times

Next time, be specific.

The New York Times

Please be specific.

The Guardian

Can we be specific?

The New York Times - Arts

"Be specific," she said.

The New York Times

He declined to be specific.

The New York Times

Be specific and be real.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions or feedback, "be specific" to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings. For example, instead of saying "improve your essay", say "be specific about the evidence you provide to support your claims in your essay".

Common error

Avoid using vague language that leaves room for interpretation. Instead of saying "improve communication", "be specific" and say "clearly define roles and responsibilities within the team" to promote efficient collaboration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be specific" primarily functions as an imperative, a direct command or instruction. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it's used to urge the listener or reader to provide detailed and precise information, avoiding vagueness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be specific" serves as a direct command to provide detailed information and avoid vagueness. As Ludwig AI highlights, this imperative is frequently used in news and media, as well as in general writing, making it a versatile phrase in both formal and informal contexts. To enhance clarity in your writing, use "be specific" to prompt detailed responses or actions, or consider alternatives like "provide details" or "be more explicit".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be more explicit

This alternative focuses on removing any ambiguity or implication by stating something directly and openly.

give precise information

This alternative highlights the accuracy of the information given, focusing on eliminating ambiguity.

offer a concrete example

This focuses on providing a tangible instance to illustrate a point, enhancing understanding and clarity.

provide details

This alternative focuses on the act of supplying detailed information, shifting the emphasis from the instruction to the action.

define clearly

This emphasizes the act of providing a distinct and unambiguous definition, particularly useful in academic or technical contexts.

clarify your point

This phrase emphasizes making one's argument or statement more understandable, rather than just being detailed.

get to the details

This suggests moving past generalities and focusing on the finer points of a matter.

elaborate further

This suggests expanding on existing information, implying a need for more depth and explanation.

spell it out

This is an informal way of saying to explain something very clearly and directly, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

state your terms

This suggests a formal declaration of conditions or requirements, applicable in specific contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "be specific" as a direct request, like "Please "be specific" when describing the issue". It can also be used as a general recommendation, such as "It's important to "be specific" about your goals".

What does "be specific" mean?

"Be specific" means to provide detailed and precise information, leaving no room for ambiguity or vagueness. It's a call to offer concrete details rather than general statements.

What can I say instead of "be specific"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "provide details", "clarify your point", or "be more explicit" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it important to "be specific"?

It's important to "be specific" when giving instructions, providing feedback, setting goals, or communicating complex information. Clarity prevents misunderstandings and ensures effective outcomes.