clear and specific

USAGE SUMMARY

"clear and specific" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is easy to understand and that has no ambiguity. For example, "The instructions were clear and specific, so I was able to complete the task easily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Questions should be short, clear, and specific rather than general.

The Guardian - Books

Their tones become as clear and specific as voices.

The New Yorker

Is clear and specific but includes challenging goals.

The Guardian

"We offered clear and specific pledges that we know we can honour.

The Guardian

Information should only be disclosed when it is definitive, accurate, clear, and specific.

Harvard University

"I want to be very clear and specific on it," said Khan Ghazni, public relations director for the Elections Commission.

The New York Times

They want to be connected to information, a claim that sounds vague but is clear and specific.

The New York Times - Tech

All critical failures due to fabrication and assembly create clear and specific deviations from nominal signal.

Procedia Engineering

Even the wall labels attached to the artwork are now written in clear and specific Chinese, English and Japanese.

The New York Times - Arts

The difficulty comes when they don't work because researchers aren't clear and specific enough in their goals.

Princeton University

Make a clear and specific ask for what you want them to do as soon as they leave that meeting.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or technical writing, prioritizing "clear and specific" wording is essential to prevent misinterpretations and ensure accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using abstract or vague terms when you need to be "clear and specific". Replace phrases like "improve efficiency" with "reduce processing time by 15%" to enhance understanding and measurability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear and specific" functions primarily as a compound adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that something is both easy to understand and detailed, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear and specific" is a commonly used compound adjective that emphasizes the importance of unambiguous and detailed communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Appearing frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, being "clear and specific" avoids misunderstandings by ensuring ease of understanding and precision. Alternatives include "unambiguous and specific" and "clear and precise". When aiming for effective communication, remember that avoiding abstract language and focusing on concrete details is essential for being "clear and specific".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unequivocal and specific

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity and the precise nature of something.

definite and specific

Highlights the certainty and particularity of something.

clear and precise

Focuses on exactness and lack of vagueness.

unambiguous and specific

Stresses the absence of multiple interpretations and the detailed nature.

clear and particular

Highlights the distinctness and clarity of something.

clear and concrete

Focuses on tangible and easily understandable aspects.

certain and specific

Emphasizes the sureness and the detailed nature of something.

clear and articulated

Highlights that something is clearly expressed and formulated.

clear cut and specific

Adds a sense of decisiveness and explicitness.

clear-cut and specific

Emphasizes the sharp and unambiguous nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "clear and specific" in a sentence?

You can use "clear and specific" to emphasize the importance of being easily understood and detailed. For instance, "The instructions should be "clear and specific" so that everyone can follow them."

What's a good substitute for "clear and specific"?

Alternatives to "clear and specific" include "unambiguous and specific", "definite and specific", or "clear and precise", each emphasizing different aspects of clarity and detail.

Is it redundant to say "clear and specific"?

While both words relate to understandability, "clear" focuses on ease of understanding, while "specific" emphasizes detail and precision. Using both ensures comprehensive communication, reducing potential ambiguity.

When is it most important to be "clear and specific"?

Being "clear and specific" is crucial in situations where accuracy is paramount, such as giving instructions, setting goals, or writing legal documents. It helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.