be specified by the

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores or other requirements may be specified by the prospective department.

Stanford University

Such other activities as may be specified by the President or the Secretary of Defense.

Cornell University

The location of this file may be specified by the KRB5_KDC_PROFILE environment variable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Moreover, most have numerical parameters whose value must be specified by the user.

Medical Image Analysis

Thus, capsid architecture appears likely to be specified by the Δ-domain.

Journal of Molecular Biology

Alternatively, an external background (and its associated error) can be specified by the user through the bkgmap and bkgerr parameters.

Harvard University

Each piece is custom-designed, so the children's hair and skin color can be specified by the customer.

The New York Times

Plastic and rubber parts should be specified by the manufacturer's designation and not by generic or standardized descriptors.

Pocket Guide to Preventing Process Plant Materials Mix-ups

The number of blades, the airfoil curves and the average wind velocity can be specified by the user.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified by the Secretary, on such later date as the Secretary may designate on application by the taxpayer.

Cornell University

The lower left and upper right corner of the plot area can be specified by the add_plot argument values (x1, y1) and (x2, y2).

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be specified by the", ensure that the entity doing the specifying is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be specified by the" without clearly stating who or what is doing the specifying, as this can lead to confusion and uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be specified by the" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something is being defined or detailed by a particular source. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

Academia

35%

News & Media

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be specified by the" is a grammatically correct and very common passive construction used to indicate that details or requirements are to be determined by a particular source. According to Ludwig, it is widely used across scientific, academic, and news contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: always ensure the specifying entity is clearly identified. While generally acceptable, consider alternatives like "be defined by the" or "be determined by the" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be determined by the

Focuses on the act of finding something out, not necessarily detailing it.

be defined by the

Emphasizes the act of setting limits or boundaries.

be dictated by the

Implies a stronger sense of authority or control in the determination.

be governed by the

Suggests a regulatory or controlling influence.

be established by the

Highlights the creation or foundation of something.

be designated by the

Focuses on official naming or identification.

be prescribed by the

Indicates a mandatory or required specification.

be stipulated by the

Emphasizes a condition or requirement in an agreement.

be indicated by the

Highlights a suggestive signal or piece of evidence.

be controlled by the

Emphasizes the act of keeping something under regulation.

FAQs

How to use "be specified by the" in a sentence?

Use "be specified by the" to indicate that certain details or requirements must be determined or outlined by a particular authority or source. For example, "The project requirements must "be specified by the" client before we can proceed."

What can I say instead of "be specified by the"?

You can use alternatives like "be defined by the", "be determined by the", or "be dictated by the" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be specified by the" or "be specify by the"?

"Be specified by the" is correct. "Specified" is the past participle form of the verb "specify" and is required in this passive construction. "Be specify by the" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "be specified by the" and "be determined by the"?

"Be specified by the" implies a deliberate act of detailing or outlining something, while "be determined by the" suggests a process of finding something out or reaching a decision. The former is more about providing instructions, the latter is more about discovery.