Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
didn't specify
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
(She didn't specify how).
News & Media
She didn't specify.
News & Media
He didn't specify who.
News & Media
Mrs. Clinton didn't specify.
News & Media
The company didn't specify which ones.
News & Media
She didn't specify how many hours ahead.
News & Media
Still, it didn't specify how much smaller.
News & Media
Obama didn't specify; he did sound grim.
News & Media
How much younger he didn't specify.
News & Media
But they didn't specify warm blankets.
News & Media
Ahmadinejad didn't specify what sort of technology he wanted.
News & Media
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
did not detail
Focuses on the absence of detail, emphasizing a lack of elaboration.
did not elaborate
Highlights the absence of further explanation or development of a point.
failed to mention
Emphasizes the act of omitting information, suggesting a possible oversight.
left unsaid
Focuses on the information that was not explicitly stated, implying it was intentionally or unintentionally omitted.
did not indicate
Highlights the lack of sign or suggestion towards a particular detail or direction.
omitted to state
Emphasizes the act of leaving out information during a statement.
remained vague on
Highlights a lack of clarity and precision regarding a specific aspect.
was unforthcoming about
Suggests a reluctance to provide full information, implying a withholding of details.
stopped short of clarifying
Indicates that clarification was not fully provided, hinting at incompleteness.
did not define
Highlights the absence of a clear definition or explanation of something.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested