be specific enough to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be specific enough to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are asking someone to explain or describe something in more detail. For example, "Can you be specific enough to explain exactly what you need help with?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"The patrol guide, by definition, cannot be specific enough to address every situation," he said.

The New York Times

It must be specific enough to dispel all doubt about Germany's commitment to saving the euro.

The Economist

This is all part of the larger paradox of fiction, where the characters must be specific enough to be anyone.

The New York Times

When designing the surveys, students should be specific enough to allow for statistical measurement but not so specific as to exclude alternative possibilities.

The New York Times

He said the statement he hoped to offer on behalf of his client would "probably not" be specific enough to include the amount of the settlement.

The New York Times

The code is "intended to be specific enough to achieve complete harmonization on issues where uniformity is required, yet general enough in other areas to permit flexibility on how agreed-upon antidoping principles are implemented".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

None of this is specific enough to alter an opinion, let alone a policy.

The Guardian

The goals, 20 in total, are specific enough to be able to gauge whether progress is being made, he said.

The New York Times

The problem with other Internet database marketing systems, he argued, is that the information they gather has not been specific enough to be relevant.

The New York Times

But she denied news accounts that a different hijacking threat Mr. Bush received last August was specific enough to warrant a public warning.

The New York Times

None of the information I got from the Qoder database, compiled from information provided by 255,000 retailers and manufacturers, was specific enough to send me back out to buy an item.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be specific enough to" when the context demands a certain level of detail to achieve a particular outcome, such as in instructions or requirements.

Common error

Avoid using "be specific enough to" as a placeholder for actual details. If you find yourself using this phrase, follow up with concrete examples or explanations to ensure clarity and avoid leaving the reader guessing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be specific enough to" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an action or requirement. It indicates the necessary level of detail required for a successful outcome. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be specific enough to" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-registered expression used to highlight the necessity of providing a certain level of detail. Based on Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in scientific and news media contexts, signaling its utility in both technical and general communication. When using this phrase, ensure that you understand the audience's needs and provide concrete details to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "provide sufficient detail to" and "be sufficiently explicit to" can be used depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be precise enough to

Replaces "specific" with "precise", emphasizing accuracy and exactness.

be sufficiently explicit to

Substitutes "be specific" with "be sufficiently explicit", highlighting clarity and directness.

provide sufficient detail to

Replaces "be specific" with "provide sufficient detail", emphasizing the act of giving enough information.

offer adequate particulars to

Substitutes "be specific" with "offer adequate particulars", highlighting the supply of precise information.

be detailed enough for

Reorders the phrase and replaces "to" with "for", slightly changing the structure but retaining the core meaning.

give a detailed account to

Replaces "be specific" with "give a detailed account", focusing on providing a comprehensive explanation.

ensure sufficient clarity for

Focuses on ensuring clarity rather than just being specific, introducing a subtle shift in emphasis.

elaborate sufficiently to

Substitutes "be specific" with "elaborate sufficiently", stressing the act of expanding on details adequately.

furnish enough specifics to

Replaces "be specific" with "furnish enough specifics", emphasizing the provision of particular details.

have enough clarity to

Shifts the focus to possessing clarity, which implies specificity, but with a slightly different construction.

FAQs

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

You can use "be specific enough to" to indicate that something needs to have a certain level of detail. For example, "The instructions need to "be specific enough to" allow anyone to assemble the product correctly."

What does it mean to "be specific enough to"?

To "be specific enough to" means to provide a level of detail that is sufficient for a particular purpose or audience. It implies that less detail would be inadequate, while excessive detail might be unnecessary.

Which is correct, "be specific enough to" or "be specific enough for"?

"Be specific enough to" is generally used when followed by a verb, indicating a purpose (e.g. ""be specific enough to" understand"). "Be specific enough for" is used when followed by a noun, indicating the recipient or context (e.g. "be specific enough for the task").

What are some alternatives to "be specific enough to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "provide sufficient detail to", "be sufficiently explicit to", or "elaborate sufficiently to".