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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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didn't specify

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(She didn't specify how).

News & Media

The New York Times

She didn't specify.

He didn't specify who.

Mrs. Clinton didn't specify.

News & Media

The New York Times

The company didn't specify which ones.

News & Media

The New York Times

She didn't specify how many hours ahead.

Still, it didn't specify how much smaller.

News & Media

The New York Times

Obama didn't specify; he did sound grim.

News & Media

The New Yorker

How much younger he didn't specify.

But they didn't specify warm blankets.

News & Media

The Guardian

Ahmadinejad didn't specify what sort of technology he wanted.

News & Media

The New Yorker
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "didn't specify" when you want to gently point out that details were missing, rather than directly accusing someone of withholding information. It's a neutral way to state the facts.

Common error

Avoid using "didn't specify" without a clear antecedent. Ensure it's obvious what detail was not specified. Without context, the phrase becomes vague and uninformative.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "didn't specify" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence to indicate that someone or something failed to provide explicit details about a particular subject. Ludwig shows its prevalence in contexts where information is being reported or discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "didn't specify" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a lack of detailed information. According to Ludwig, its common usage spans primarily across News & Media, and to a lesser extent, science and wiki contexts. When writing, ensure the context makes clear what information was omitted to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "did not detail" or "failed to mention" can add nuance. Overall, the phrase is reliable and versatile for both formal and informal communication.

FAQs

What does "didn't specify" mean?

The phrase "didn't specify" means that someone failed to provide detailed or explicit information about something. It indicates a lack of precision or clarity regarding a particular aspect or detail.

How can I use "didn't specify" in a sentence?

You can use "didn't specify" to indicate that a person or document omitted particular details. For example, "The report "did not detail" the exact budget allocation."

What are some alternatives to "didn't specify"?

Alternatives to "didn't specify" include phrases like "did not elaborate", "failed to mention", or "left unsaid". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "didn't specify" or "did not specify"?

Both "didn't specify" and "did not specify" are grammatically correct. "Didn't specify" is a contraction and is more common in informal contexts. "Did not specify" is more formal and can be used for emphasis.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: