be specified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be specified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something needs to be clearly defined or detailed. Example: "The requirements for the project must be specified before we can proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That can all be specified.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only a few illustrative cases need be specified.

The New York Times

This will be specified within the promotional material.

The Guardian

with to be specified.

Boundary Value Problems

Details will be specified later.

Boundary Value Problems

It needs to be specified.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Further R&D needs will be specified.

Fusion Engineering and Design

The threshold had to be specified manually.

Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards

Three caveats need to be specified.

EPJ Data Science

The kernel function has to be specified.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

Arbitrary stop conditions can be specified.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be specified", ensure that the specific details or conditions are clearly communicated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be specified" without providing the actual specifications later in the text. Always follow through with the necessary details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be specified" primarily functions as a passive infinitive verb form. It indicates that something requires explicit detailing or defining. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be specified" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that emphasizes the need for clear and explicit detailing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in scientific, formal, and technical writing. When using "be specified", ensure that the specific details are indeed provided to maintain clarity and avoid vagueness. While alternatives like "be defined" or "be detailed" exist, "be specified" carries a unique connotation of formal stipulation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be defined

Emphasizes clarity and precision in meaning.

be detailed

Focuses on providing extensive information.

be outlined

Suggests providing a structured overview.

be stipulated

Highlights a formal agreement or condition.

be determined

Focuses on the process of reaching a decision or conclusion.

be designated

Implies assignment or appointment for a particular purpose.

be identified

Emphasizes the act of recognizing or establishing something.

be prescribed

Indicates a mandatory requirement or instruction.

be indicated

Suggests showing or pointing out something.

be enumerated

Focuses on listing items individually.

FAQs

How to use "be specified" in a sentence?

Use "be specified" to indicate that something needs to be clearly defined or detailed. For example, "The requirements must "be specified" before proceeding."

What can I say instead of "be specified"?

You can use alternatives like "be defined", "be detailed", or "be stipulated depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be specified" or "is specified"?

"Be specified" is used in the passive voice, often with modal verbs (e.g., 'must be specified', 'can be specified'). "Is specified" is also correct, but implies a more immediate, present-tense action.

What's the difference between "be specified" and "be identified"?

"Be specified" means to define or detail something explicitly. "Be identified" means to recognize or establish something. The choice depends on whether you need to define something or simply recognize it.