did you specify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did you specify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone if they have provided specific details or instructions about something. Example: "Did you specify the deadline for the project in your email?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Did you specify Restaurant Week when you reserved?" "No," I said.

The New York Times - Food

T – Time-bound – Did you specify a deadline?

Science Magazine

A – Action-oriented – Did you specify the action you will take?

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There's sort of a choice of how much of the detail do you leave up to the individual agencies, and what do you specify.

Science Magazine

Do you have to specify where your money will go exactly?

TechCrunch

Geofenced stories don't let you specify a separate group with just viewing permissions, so anyone within the geofence that falls into those categories (depending on which you choose) will be able to add to the Story, too.

TechCrunch

If you do not specify what you want, you will be served a martini with a standard ratio.

WikiHow

If you do not specify what you want, it searches whatever you are currently looking at – your own bookmarks, bookmarks from your network, etc.

TechCrunch

"Not even one?" "You didn't specify a nanny who had her own children".

The New Yorker

If you don't specify which odds you want, you'll be paid at the industry SP. At this stage, I'm looking at Reliable Man as the best sort-of outsider, though he's only 12-1 anotnot certain to start until his trainer satisfies himself that the going is not too fast on the day.

The Guardian - Sport

However, they will often ask questions like, "Can we search your car, or do you have something to hide?" Specify that you have nothing to hide, however they may not perform said search.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "did you specify", ensure that the context makes it clear what you are asking about. Vague questions can lead to unclear responses.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "did you specify" in very casual conversations might sound overly formal. Consider using simpler alternatives like "did you say" or "did you tell me" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did you specify" functions as an interrogative clause, typically used to inquire whether someone provided specific details or instructions regarding a particular matter. Ludwig AI examples show it appearing in varied contexts, from restaurant reservations to project deadlines.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "did you specify" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood phrase used to inquire whether specific details or instructions were provided. Ludwig AI indicates it functions as an interrogative clause seeking clarification or confirmation. While versatile, it may sound slightly formal in very casual contexts, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. It finds frequent usage in news, scientific, and general information contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did you mention

This alternative replaces the verb "specify" with "mention", focusing on whether something was brought up rather than detailed.

did you indicate

This alternative uses "indicate" instead of "specify", suggesting a less explicit form of communication.

did you stipulate

This alternative utilizes "stipulate", implying a more formal and binding specification.

did you designate

This option employs "designate", suggesting a more purposeful or official assignment.

did you define

This version uses "define", emphasizing the act of setting out the meaning or scope of something.

did you detail

This substitute involves "detail" highlighting the act of providing thorough information.

did you set out

This phrase employs "set out", indicating a more structured or planned presentation of specifications.

did you lay down

This option replaces "specify" with "lay down", suggesting the establishment of rules or conditions.

did you prescribe

The alternative uses "prescribe", indicating setting down directions or orders.

were you specific

This alternative changes the structure to an adjective, focusing on the level of detail in the communication.

FAQs

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

The phrase "did you specify" is used to ask if someone provided particular details or instructions. For example: "Did you specify a deadline for the project?" or "Did you specify the color when you placed the order?"

What is a more informal way to ask "did you specify"?

In informal contexts, you could use phrases like "did you mention", "did you say", or simply "did you tell them" depending on the situation.

Is it better to use "did you specify" or "were you specific"?

Both "did you specify" and "were you specific" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different uses. "Did you specify" is used to ask if someone provided details, while "were you specific" asks about the level of detail they provided.

What's the difference between "did you specify" and "did you stipulate"?

"Did you specify" generally asks if details were provided. "Did you stipulate" implies a more formal and binding specification, suggesting that the details were a required condition.