do not specify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not specify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone not to provide specific details or information about a subject. Example: "In your report, please do not specify the names of the individuals involved to maintain confidentiality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The files do not specify what information Hamlili withheld.

The Guardian

The directory's listings do not specify ethnicity, only minority status.

The New York Times

The faculty disclosures do not specify how much money they receive, nor are they public.

The New York Times

These two summaries do not specify an age for minors; Mexico uses 18, Canada 16.

The New York Times - Travel

But they do not specify what NATO might do about it.

The New York Times

They recommend teaching "change through time," but do not specify what that involves.

The New York Times

The new documents do not specify dates for the White House meetings.

The New York Times

They do not specify whether a job is in the public or private sector.

The New York Times

The lengthy new official regulations do not specify why golf is singled out.

The Guardian

Drug labels often do not specify the proper doses for children.

The New York Times

The diplomats do not specify what "further guidelines" they would like enacted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do not specify", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being left unspecified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "do not specify" when precise details are necessary for clarity or legal reasons. Overgeneralization can lead to misinterpretations or disputes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not specify" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the absence of explicit details or instructions. Ludwig's examples show it often appears when describing guidelines, rules, or reports that lack certain information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do not specify" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a lack of explicit detail or instruction. According to Ludwig, it's frequently found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a wide applicability. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what's being left unspecified. While alternatives like "not stipulate" or "omit details" exist, "do not specify" offers a straightforward way to communicate the absence of specific information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not stipulate

Suggests a failure to explicitly lay down requirements or conditions.

omit details

Focuses on the act of leaving out specific information.

refrain from detailing

Emphasizes conscious avoidance of providing precise details.

not elaborate

Emphasizes a lack of further explanation or expansion.

not indicate

Focuses on the absence of signals or hints towards something specific.

leave undefined

Highlights that something is not clearly defined or explained.

keep unspecified

Highlights intentionally leaving something without explicit specification.

remain vague

Indicates that information is unclear and lacks precision.

lack precision

Focuses on the absence of detailed information.

fail to mention

Highlights the absence of any reference to a particular detail.

FAQs

How to use "do not specify" in a sentence?

You can use "do not specify" to indicate that certain details are intentionally left out or undefined. For example, "The instructions "do not specify" the exact quantity of water needed".

What can I say instead of "do not specify"?

You can use alternatives like "not stipulate", "leave undefined", or "omit details" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "do not specify" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "do not specify" when you want to indicate that certain details are intentionally left vague, either because they are not important or because they are to be determined later.

What is the difference between "do not specify" and "do not indicate"?

"Do not specify" means to intentionally leave something undefined, while "do not indicate" means that there is no sign or suggestion of something. They both imply a lack of information, but the former is intentional.