can you specify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can you specify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to provide more details or clarify something that has been mentioned. Example: "Can you specify what you mean by 'improvement' in this context?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Let's begin with the session you're convening at AGU entitled, "Subseasonal to Seasonal Prediction: Bridging the Gap between Weather and Climate". Can you specify what timescales you'll be exploring here?

Columbia University

5) If you have attempted suicide more than once, can you specify how many attempts, ages at which these attempts were made and the most important reasons for these attempts?

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

After selecting the type of printed good you need, you can specify when you need them delivered in your city.

TechCrunch

When you create a bot you can specify the license you wish to share it under.

WikiHow

Better yet, you can specify that you will have to pay a certain sum to a cause that you detest.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You can specify who you want to get messages from".

The New York Times

For instance, you can specify that you want more travel ads and fewer finance ads.

The New York Times

You can specify when you want it to turn on and off each day to save power.

The New York Times - Tech

You can specify how you'd like it done — or, as I did on a recent evening, let them make the choice.

The New York Times

You can specify that you only want measures taken to keep your loved one comfortable.

WikiHow

You can specify where you want the photo to be saved to.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can you specify" when you need someone to provide precise details or parameters, making your request for information direct and clear.

Common error

Avoid using "can you specify" in casual conversations; it can sound overly formal or demanding. Opt for more conversational alternatives like "can you explain" or "what do you mean"?

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can you specify" functions as an interrogative expression used to request detailed or precise information. Ludwig AI also confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

25%

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can you specify" is a grammatically sound phrase used to request detailed information or clarification. Ludwig confirms this with real-world examples spanning academic, news media, and scientific contexts. While perfectly acceptable, remember it may come off as too direct in very informal contexts. Consider using alternatives if a softer tone is desired. The available examples suggest that the phrase appears most commonly in academic and news-related sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Could you elaborate?

Focuses on expanding on a previously mentioned point.

Can you detail?

Asks for a comprehensive description.

Could you clarify?

Requests a clearer explanation.

Can you explain further?

Requests additional explanation.

Can you be more specific?

Directly asks for more precise information.

Can you give more particulars?

Inquires about specific details.

Can you define?

Requests a definition of a term or concept.

Can you itemize?

Asks for a list of items or points.

Can you enumerate?

Seeks a numbered list or items.

Can you break it down?

Requests a simplification or explanation of complex information.

FAQs

How do I use "can you specify" in a sentence?

Use "can you specify" when asking for more precise details. For example, "Can you specify the exact time of the meeting?" or "Can you specify which features are included in the upgrade?"

What's the difference between "can you specify" and "can you explain"?

"Can you specify" asks for precise details or parameters, whereas "can you explain" seeks a broader understanding or clarification.

Is "can you specify" formal or informal?

"Can you specify" is generally considered more formal and is suitable for professional, academic, or technical contexts. In casual settings, consider using softer alternatives.

What can I say instead of "can you specify"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "can you clarify", "can you detail", or "can you elaborate".