be specific about this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be specific about this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to provide detailed information or clarification on a particular topic or issue. Example: "In your report, please be specific about this point to ensure clarity for the readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Let's be specific about this: pornographic images of children are disgusting.

The New York Times - Arts

WARNING: Be specific about this gift..

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Write down something you've done well every day in a journal, and be specific about the intrinsic qualities this demonstrates, whether it's creative thinking or tenacity.

Forbes

Be specific about the different types of this disorder as experienced by soldiers or civilians.

The New York Times

Please be specific about the activities.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Be specific about the symptoms you are experiencing.

Huffington Post

Be specific about the problem.

WikiHow

Be specific about the place you want!

WikiHow

Be specific about the candidate's qualifications.

WikiHow

I just think the things I'm specific about, I'm really specific about.

Huffington Post

The structural configuration of tanks is first described in order to understand what is specific about this structural form.

Thin-Walled Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting information, use "be specific about this" to prompt others to provide detailed and unambiguous responses, especially when clarity is crucial.

Common error

Don't rely solely on the phrase "be specific about this" without indicating the area where more detail is needed. Always provide context to guide the other person's response effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be specific about this" functions as an imperative, urging someone to provide detailed and unambiguous information. It is used to solicit clarity and precision, as supported by Ludwig examples that demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be specific about this" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for requesting detailed information, as confirmed by Ludwig. While its frequency is uncommon, it's effectively used across diverse contexts, including news, wiki, and science, with slight variations in formality. For more formal scenarios, consider using alternatives such as "provide a detailed account of this" or "elaborate further on this". Remember to provide context when using the phrase to ensure clarity. By following these guidelines, you can effectively prompt clear and unambiguous responses, ensuring better communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Provide more details on this

Focuses on adding more comprehensive information.

Elaborate further on this

Emphasizes expanding on existing information with greater depth.

Clarify this point

Highlights the need to make something easier to understand.

Offer a detailed explanation of this

Stresses a thorough and comprehensive account.

Give a precise account of this

Implies accuracy and exactness in the description.

Go into specifics regarding this

Suggests delving deeper into particular aspects.

Be more explicit about this

Emphasizes clarity and directness in communication.

Detail this matter further

Focuses on expanding the explanation with more details.

Outline the specifics of this

Suggests providing a structured and detailed summary.

Expand on this topic with details

Emphasizes adding more information to broaden understanding.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be specific about this" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "provide a detailed account of this", "elaborate further on this", or "clarify this point" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean to "be specific about this"?

To "be specific about this" means to provide clear, detailed, and unambiguous information regarding a particular topic or issue, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Is there a difference between saying "be specific about this" and "provide details on this"?

While similar, "be specific about this" is a direct request for clarity, whereas "provide details on this"/"provide details on this" emphasizes the addition of more comprehensive information. The choice depends on the desired nuance.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be specific about this"?

It's appropriate to use "be specific about this" when you need someone to provide precise information, avoid generalizations, or clarify ambiguous statements. It's suitable in various settings, from casual conversations to professional communications.