be specified with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be specified with" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey that something should be detailed or clarified, but the construction is awkward and unclear. Example: "The requirements must be specified with clarity to avoid confusion."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The column to use to determine the grouping must be specified with the xcolumn parameter.

Harvard University

The TCL installation directory can be specified with the --with-tcl coptionre option.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The containerdn and linkdn options cannot be specified with the dn option.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This DN will be specified with the ldap_kerberos_container_dn directive in kdc.conf.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Colors should be specified with the attribute-value pair rend="color" and height using n="heightinlinesofcapital".

Yale University

A #pragma omp parallel section can be specified with curly braces around the block of code to be parallelized.

University of California, Berkeley

Alternatively, the path to the data on read-only media can be specified with the <datapath> argument to autoaips.

Cornell University

The polygon must also be specified with positive orientation (the vertices circle CCW about an interior point).

Stanford University

A #pragma omp parallel section should be specified with curly braces around the block of code to be parallelized.

University of California, Berkeley

Software needed to be specified with every eventuality considered, to within an inch of it's life, because future releases wouldn't be for months or years.

The Guardian

As well as plenty of room, the Countryman can be specified with an "All 4" four-wheel drive system.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace "be specified with" with alternatives such as "be defined by" or "be identified by" to enhance grammatical precision and ensure your writing is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "with" when a more direct construction clarifies the means or method. Instead of "The requirements must be specified with clarity", opt for "The requirements must be specified clearly" for a more concise and grammatically sound sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be specified with" functions as part of a passive construction, often indicating the means or method by which something is defined or described. However, as Ludwig AI points out, the construction is not considered grammatically ideal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

Academia

33%

News & Media

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "be specified with" is frequently encountered across various domains, particularly in science and academia, Ludwig AI analysis indicates it is not grammatically ideal. The phrase functions as part of a passive construction, often aiming to detail how something is defined. For improved clarity and grammatical precision, consider using alternatives like "be defined by" or "be identified by". Remember to consider context and the level of formality required in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be designated with

Focuses on the act of officially assigning or indicating something with a particular mark or symbol.

be identified by

Emphasizes the act of recognizing or distinguishing something based on certain characteristics or markers.

be defined by

Highlights the defining characteristics or boundaries of something.

be characterized by

Focuses on the distinctive qualities or features of something.

be indicated with

Highlights the use of a signal or sign to point out something.

be outlined with

Suggests that something is demarcated or shown in its basic form.

be labeled with

Focuses on assigning a specific name or descriptor to something.

be marked with

Emphasizes the use of a visible sign or symbol to denote something.

be annotated with

Suggests adding notes or explanations to something for clarity.

be distinguished by

Emphasizes the unique characteristics that set something apart.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "be specified with"?

Alternatives include "be defined by", "be identified by", or "be designated with" depending on the intended meaning.

How can I improve clarity when using the phrase "be specified with"?

Consider restructuring the sentence to eliminate "with" and use an adverb directly, such as changing "be specified with clarity" to "be specified clearly."

Is "be specified with" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "be specified with" is not considered grammatically ideal. It's preferable to use stronger verbs or more direct constructions for clarity and precision.

In what contexts is "be specified with" most often used?

The phrase is often found in scientific, academic, and technical contexts, where precise details are important. However, it's advisable to consider alternative phrasing for improved grammatical correctness.