but specifically for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but specifically for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify or narrow down a subject or topic to a particular focus or purpose. Example: "This software is designed for general use, but specifically for enhancing productivity in remote teams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Chinese Christian resistance is not generally political but specifically for religious freedom and self-determination.

The Guardian - Opinion

But specifically for cargo, the Audi makes fewer sacrifices to style.

The New York Times

Yet she was not concerned with clothes for their own sake, but specifically for the effect they enabled her to make.

Independent

In the case of Judith Scruggs, the state put a fine point on the charges, stressing that she was on trial not for her son's death but specifically for putting him at risk and failing to get him medical help.

The New York Times

Revenge for Clinton and Blair's illegal Kosovo war, but specifically for the war crime perpetrated by British and US forces in the early hours of April 23 1999, when Nato missiles smashed into the headquarters of Radio and Television Serbia killing 16 broadcasting staff.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mobile World Congress sort of like CES, but specifically for cellphones is coming up next month.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Johnson envisioned Ebony as a news and photo magazine patterned much after Life magazine but specifically designed for African American readers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's essentially a Windows notebook, but specifically designed for use in severe environments.

TechCrunch

But courses specifically for travelers, and costing much less, are offered by many companies.

The New York Times

British Airways is the only scheduled airline making an offset option available to travelers on its Web site, but not specifically for corporations.

The New York Times

The CPS now employs an increasing number of associate prosecutors, who are not barristers or solicitors, but trained specifically for the job.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but specifically for" to clarify the intended focus or purpose, especially after a general statement to narrow down the application. This enhances precision and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but specifically for" when the specificity is already implied. For example, instead of 'The tool is for communication, but specifically for team collaboration,' consider 'The tool is for team collaboration' to prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but specifically for" acts as a transitional phrase, connecting two ideas while emphasizing a particular focus or purpose. It introduces a clarification or specification that narrows the scope of the initial statement. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but specifically for" serves as a useful tool for adding precision and clarity to writing. As Ludwig AI points out, it functions as a transitional phrase, connecting ideas while emphasizing a particular focus. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from News & Media to Science. The phrase is considered grammatically correct. Remember to avoid redundancy by only using it when clarification is truly needed. When precision and clear communication are paramount, "but specifically for" is a reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but more precisely for

Narrows down a broader statement with a more accurate or detailed purpose; 'more precisely' specifies the reason.

but primarily aimed at

Emphasizes the main target or audience, highlighting the intended recipients.

but mainly intended for

Highlights the primary intention or purpose behind something; 'mainly intended' focuses on the goal.

yet particularly for

Emphasizes a contrast while highlighting a particular target or purpose; 'yet' replaces 'but'.

however particularly for

Introduces a contrast more formally while emphasizing a certain target; 'however' replaces 'but'.

though especially for

Indicates a contrast, while placing emphasis on a specific target or purpose, using 'though' in place of 'but'.

rather especially for

Indicates a preference or exception, highlighting a specific target or reason; 'rather' replaces 'but'.

nonetheless expressly for

Introduces a contrast, explicitly highlighting the reason; 'nonetheless' replaces 'but'.

instead expressly for

Replaces one thing with another, explicitly mentioning a purpose or target; 'instead' replaces 'but'.

on the other hand particularly for

Introduces a contrasting viewpoint while underlining a certain focus; 'on the other hand' replaces 'but'.

FAQs

How can I use "but specifically for" in a sentence?

Use "but specifically for" to narrow down a general statement to a particular purpose or target. For example, 'The software is designed for general use, but specifically for data analysis'.

What phrases are similar to "but specifically for"?

Similar phrases include "yet particularly for", "however particularly for", or "rather especially for" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "but specifically for" after a general statement?

No, only use "but specifically for" if you need to emphasize or clarify a particular aspect or purpose that isn't already clear from the initial statement. Otherwise, it can sound redundant.

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

"But specifically for" introduces a contrast or exception, while "and specifically for" adds additional information without contrast. For instance, 'The program offers general support, but specifically for at-risk youth' versus 'The program offers general support, and specifically for at-risk youth, it provides mentoring'.