but more specifically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but more specifically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a more detailed or precise explanation following a broader statement. Example: "We are focusing on renewable energy sources, but more specifically, we are looking at solar and wind power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus, not only is hMSC differentiation disrupted by depolarization, but more specifically, commitment to specific lineages (AD or OS) can be characterized by unique sensitivities to Vmem changes.

Plosone

This unique approach provides a more robust understanding of the caregiving experience for clients with neurological conditions in general, but more specifically through comparison of the specific conditions.

BMC Health Services Research

Escape from the immutability of gender but, more specifically, the immutability of history.

The Guardian - Film

But more specifically, the Christian doctrine of creation makes the question of evil particularly pressing.

The Guardian - Opinion

As ever, it's not just overall turnout numbers that matter, but more specifically which voters show up.

The Guardian

The episode screened at Sundance shows Handler investigating marriage, but, more specifically, exactly why she isn't married yet.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Our subject was diversity; but, more specifically, we sought to understand three management challenges under that heading.

Harvard Business Review

Stimulant, any drug that excites any bodily function, but more specifically those that stimulate the brain and central nervous system.

Britannica

Horse fly, any member of the insect family Tabanidae (order Diptera), but more specifically any member of the genus Tabanus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The conversation touched on the death penalty, but more specifically focused on appeals, stays, pardons and responsible governance.

The New York Times

Re-engineering is concerned with restructuring a system, generally to fix some real or perceived problems, but more specifically, in preparation for further development and extension.

Object-Oriented Reengineering Patterns

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the specific point you introduce logically follows from the general statement. The relationship between the two should be clear and easy to understand.

Common error

Avoid using "but more specifically" when you're simply restating the same idea in slightly different words. The phrase should introduce new, more granular information, not just echo the previous point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but more specifically" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it connects two clauses, indicating that the second clause provides a more detailed or precise explanation of the first. The word but indicates that it is an additional idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but more specifically" is a valuable tool for writers and speakers aiming to refine their points and provide greater clarity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase serves to transition from a general statement to a more focused and detailed explanation, offering readers a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, including news articles, scientific papers, and general writing. Remember, to use it effectively, ensure that the subsequent specific point logically follows the general statement and introduces new, granular information, and not just a simple restatement. The high frequency and correct grammatical usage of this expression make it a helpful addition to your writing arsenal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more precisely

Focuses on exactness and accuracy in the subsequent statement.

to be more exact

Emphasizes a desire for greater accuracy in the following details.

in particular

Highlights specific aspects or examples within a broader topic.

more exactly

Similar to 'more precisely' but can sometimes imply a correction of a previous statement.

to put it another way

Rephrases the previous statement for clarity and further understanding.

more clearly

Indicates an intention to provide a clearer and more understandable explanation.

more explicitly

Emphasizes the intention to express something in a clear and unambiguous manner.

in more detail

Promises a more thorough examination of the topic at hand.

on a more granular level

Suggests an examination of the topic focusing on the finer details and specific components.

to specify

Introduces a more detailed or limited explanation of a topic or statement.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "but more specifically" in a sentence?

Use "but more specifically" to transition from a general statement to a more detailed or precise explanation. For instance, "We're focusing on improving customer service, but more specifically, we're implementing a new training program for our support staff".

What are some alternatives to "but more specifically"?

Alternatives include "more precisely", "in particular", or "to be more exact". Choose the phrase that best fits the context and desired level of formality.

Is it redundant to use "but more specifically" if I've already been specific?

Yes, using "but more specifically" can be redundant if the preceding statement is already highly specific. The phrase is most effective when moving from a broader topic to a narrower one.

What's the difference between "but more specifically" and "for example"?

"But more specifically" narrows the focus to a particular aspect, while "for example" introduces illustrations of a general point. The phrase "but more specifically" provides a deeper dive into the same subject, while "for example" offers instances relevant to that subject.