can be more specific

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be more specific" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to provide additional details or clarification on a topic or statement. Example: "Your explanation was helpful, but can you be more specific about the timeline for the project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I can be more specific, sure.

Cornell University

You can be more specific if you have more details.

The Guardian

But for Iyer, as perhaps with many writers and artists, this influence can be more specific and more pervasive.

The Guardian - Books

In other paintings the sense of drama can be more specific, even autobiographical, as in two pictures that don't have the Stour Valley as a setting.

The New York Times - Arts

Stem loop DNA probes (SLPs) can be more specific in their recognition of target sequences than linear DNA probes, but unless they are carefully designed, surface interactions can disrupt the native stem loop structure.

Analytical Biochemistry

It helps that although tweets are limited to 140 characters, as in the West, each Chinese character carries a lot of information, so the messages can be more specific and detailed.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"What you're suggesting may seem routine but it can have unexpected, tragic consequences". "Can you be more specific?" I queried.

HuffPost

So be sure to ask "Why?" and "Can you explain what you mean by that?" or "Can you be more specific?" often.

HuffPost

GAR: Can you be more specific?

The New Yorker

Can you be more specific about it?

The New York Times

Can you be more specific, though?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be more specific" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect needs further clarification. Frame your request politely to encourage a helpful response.

Common error

Avoid using "can be more specific" without indicating the subject or area needing more detail. A vague request can lead to unfocused or irrelevant responses. Always clarify what you need more information about.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be more specific" functions as a request for clarification or further detail. It's used to prompt someone to provide a more precise or detailed explanation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be more specific" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to request further clarification or detail. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase appears most frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using "can be more specific", ensure that the context clearly indicates what needs further clarification, and phrase your request politely. Alternatives such as "could you elaborate" or "can you provide more details" can add a touch of formality or politeness to your request.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could you elaborate

Replaces "can" with "could" for a more polite request, focusing on expansion of details.

can you clarify further

Substitutes "be more specific" with "clarify further", emphasizing the need for better understanding.

can you provide more details

Replaces "be more specific" with "provide more details", highlighting the request for additional information.

would you mind expanding on that

Offers a more courteous way of asking for more information, focusing on the act of expanding.

can you give a more precise explanation

Changes "specific" to "precise", emphasizing accuracy in the explanation.

can you offer a more granular view

Replaces "specific" with "granular", suggesting a need for a more detailed perspective.

can you specify

Shortens the phrase to a direct request to specify something.

please be more precise

Directly asks for more precision, suitable for formal contexts.

can you narrow it down

Asks to reduce the scope of the information given, for more focus.

can you be more explicit

Requests a clearer and more direct explanation.

FAQs

How do I use "can be more specific" in a sentence?

You can use "can be more specific" to politely request someone to provide additional details or clarification. For example, "Your explanation was helpful, but "can you be more specific" about the timeline for the project?"

What's a more formal way to say "can be more specific"?

In a formal setting, you might say "could you elaborate?" or "can you provide more details?" These alternatives maintain politeness while conveying the need for further information.

Which is correct, "can be more specific" or "could be more specific"?

Both "can be more specific" and "could be more specific" are grammatically correct. "Could" often implies a higher degree of politeness or tentativeness compared to "can".

What can I say instead of "can you be more specific" when asking for a definition?

When asking for a definition, you could say "can you clarify further?" or "can you give a more precise explanation?" These options directly address the need for clarification and precision.