does not specify

USAGE SUMMARY

"does not specify" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
For example, "The recipe does not specify the quantity of sugar to add."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He does not specify what.

The Guardian

The memo does not specify.

The Washington Post

The bill does not specify a "journeyperson".

The Economist

Morris does not specify; he generalizes.

The New Yorker

It does not specify a figure.

The Guardian

But the film does not specify.

The Guardian - Film

Bach's score does not specify instrumentation.

The New York Times - Arts

The Louisiana lawsuit does not specify damages.

The New York Times

It does not specify how the keys are established.

Bulletproof Wireless Security GSM, UMTS, 802.11 and Ad Hoc Security

The listing does not specify the products SkyWatch is developing.

The New York Times

It does not specify what actions countries must take.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not specify", ensure the context makes clear what is lacking specification. For instance, "The contract does not specify the payment terms" is more effective than simply saying, "The contract does not specify."

Common error

While "does not specify" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in extremely formal writing where alternatives like "fails to delineate" or "omits explicit terms" might be more suitable for the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not specify" functions as a declarative statement indicating the absence of explicit details or instructions within a given context. Ludwig shows that this phrase is frequently used in legal documents, news reports, and scientific publications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

44%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "does not specify" is a versatile phrase employed to denote the absence of particular details or instructions, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news reports, scientific articles, and legal documents, make it a valuable tool in effective communication. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this, highlighting its utility in conveying a lack of specificity. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the context and consider alternatives such as "fails to mention" or "omits details" to precisely convey the intended nuance. Avoiding overuse in overly formal settings and ensuring clarity about the lacking specification will further enhance the effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fails to mention

Replaces "specify" with "mention", emphasizing the omission of information.

leaves undefined

Focuses on the lack of a clear definition for something.

omits details

Highlights the absence of specific details.

doesn't elaborate

Indicates a lack of further explanation or expansion.

remains vague

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and precision.

doesn't detail

Similar to "omits details" but emphasizes the absence of a detailed account.

declines to state

Highlights a deliberate choice not to provide specific information.

offers no specifics

Indicates a lack of concrete or precise information.

provides no details

Highlights the absence of detailed information.

is silent on

Emphasizes a complete lack of mention regarding a particular aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "does not specify" in a sentence?

You can use "does not specify" to indicate that a particular document, rule, or statement lacks specific details. For example, "The regulation /s/does+not+specify the exact procedure to follow".

What are some alternatives to "does not specify"?

Alternatives include phrases like "fails to mention", "leaves undefined", or "omits details", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "does not specify" or "doesn't specify"?

"Does not specify" and "doesn't specify" are both grammatically correct, but "does not specify" is generally preferred in more formal writing, while "doesn't specify" is suitable for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "does not specify" and "does not define"?

"Does not specify" indicates a lack of particular details or instructions, whereas "does not define" implies the absence of a clear explanation or meaning for a term or concept. The choice depends on whether you are referring to missing details or a lack of definition.