being more specific

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being more specific" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or provide additional details about a topic or statement. Example: "In order to improve our discussion, I suggest being more specific about the project requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

without being more specific.

The New York Times

The transaction is expected to close soon, Compuware said yesterday, without being more specific.

The New York Times

Cox Communications has said it is interested in buying local systems, without being more specific.

The New York Times

Apologies for not being more specific, but the local TV station isn't being very helpful.

The Guardian - Sport

One person involved says an announcement is likely soon, but refrained from being more specific.

The New York Times

"But it will take some time," Mr. Vestberg said, without being more specific.

The New York Times - Tech

"We do not believe this to be a random homicide," Mr. Molinelli said, without being more specific.

The New York Times

"Obviously as a network we have to be prepared for that," Ms. Weinberg of NBC said, without being more specific.

The New York Times - Arts

The BlackBerry will be preloaded with Yahoo's software "in the coming months," the companies said, without being more specific.

The New York Times

"He'll undergo the usual tests — blood, urine and radiology — but no one's being more specific than that," Mr. Brennan said.

The New York Times

There was significant damage and a number of casualties, the official report said, without being more specific.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking for feedback, instead of generally asking "How am I doing?", try "being more specific" with your questions to gather richer data.

Common error

Avoid setting broad, undefined goals like "drink less". Instead, "being more specific" by stating exactly how much you intend to reduce your intake each day will drastically increase your success rate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being more specific" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the act of elaborating or providing further details. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being more specific" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that encourages clarity and detail in communication. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business settings. It functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun. By providing practical tips, identifying potential errors, and addressing common questions, this guide aims to help writers and speakers effectively use "being more specific" to enhance their communication. The high frequency and authoritative sources, according to Ludwig's examples, further validate its importance in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specifying further

Focuses on making something more definite or precise.

providing greater detail

Focuses on the act of adding more details.

detailing with greater precision

Combines the act of detailing with increased accuracy.

clarifying in detail

Highlights making something clearer through detail.

elaborating further

Emphasizes expanding on a previous point.

defining more precisely

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of a definition.

being less ambiguous

Focuses on removing vagueness and uncertainty.

giving more particulars

Stresses the provision of individual pieces of information.

presenting a more focused account

Highlights the concentration and precision of an explanation.

offering a more granular view

Suggests a detailed and fine-grained perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "being more specific" in a sentence?

You can use "being more specific" to suggest adding details or clarification, as in "Try "being more specific" when describing the issue to get better help".

What does it mean to "be more specific"?

To "be more specific" means to provide greater detail or clarification, moving away from generalities to concrete particulars.

Which is better, "being more specific" or "being specific"?

"Being specific" describes the state of providing details, whereas "being more specific" suggests a need to add even further detail. The better choice depends on the context.

What are the benefits of "being more specific"?

"Being more specific" leads to clearer communication, better understanding, and more effective problem-solving. For example, by "being more specific" about your goals, you increase your chances of achieving them.