failed to specify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to specify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone did not provide necessary details or information in a given context. Example: "The report was incomplete because the author failed to specify the timeline for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the Chinese failed to specify what penalty companies would suffer if they exported without licenses.

The New York Times

He adds that it also failed to specify how ratings agencies should be paid.

The New York Times - Books

The Trump campaign has accused the Post of inaccuracies but failed to specify or explain what is incorrect.

The Guardian

Until the last session, however, the Legislature had failed to specify murder as one of the covered crimes.

The New York Times

Yet 22 homes failed to specify how patients' medical records and medications would be dealt with in an emergency.

The New York Times

We also failed to specify the reason he spent time in a penal colony and the fact that those charges were overturned.

The Guardian - Business

In particular it failed to specify whether the SNP would field Salmond – who stood down from Westminster at the last election – or another SNP MP.

The Guardian

But a critic of the lab, William N. Smith of Fish Unlimited, on Shelter Island, said the plan failed to specify how much water would be pumped.

The New York Times

Alschuler finds Holmes's defense of judicial restraint "ambiguous" and incoherent because it failed to specify how the dominant power was dominant.

The New York Times - Books

But the statement did not generate immediate excitement among pro-democracy campaigners in Jordan, largely because it failed to specify any timetable for the change.

The New York Times

Michael Hick, director of Global Business Initiatives, a Houston consulting firm, once innocently ordered a single-malt in a Scottish establishment but failed to specify location (like Highlands, Islay, Skye or Lowlands), brand or age.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to specify", ensure that the context clearly indicates what information was expected but missing. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the point you are making.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to specify" in overly complex sentences where simpler phrasing would improve clarity. Sometimes, breaking down the sentence or rephrasing with a more direct verb can enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to specify" functions as a verb phrase indicating an omission of detail or a lack of precision. It highlights that something or someone didn't provide necessary information, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failed to specify" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate a lack of detail or precision. As Ludwig AI indicates, its primary function is to point out an omission, often with an implication of criticism or deficiency. It is most frequently found in news and media and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines what information was expected, and avoid overuse in overly complex sentences. Consider alternatives like "did not detail" or "omitted the specifics" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not detail

Focuses on the absence of detailed information.

omitted the specifics

Highlights the act of leaving out particular details.

neglected to mention

Emphasizes an oversight in providing information.

left unstated

Indicates that information was not explicitly expressed.

did not elaborate

Suggests a lack of thorough explanation.

failed to clarify

Highlights the absence of clarification on a particular point.

did not define

Emphasizes the lack of a clear definition.

provided no details

Focuses on the complete lack of provided specifics.

was unspecific about

Highlights the lack of specificity regarding a topic.

remained vague on

Indicates a deliberate lack of precision.

FAQs

How can I use "failed to specify" in a sentence?

You can use "failed to specify" to indicate that someone did not provide enough detail about something. For example, "The report "failed to specify" the exact budget allocation".

What is a good alternative to "failed to specify"?

Alternatives include "did not detail", "omitted the specifics", or "neglected to mention", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "failed to specify" or "did not specify"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Failed to specify" implies a stronger sense of omission or shortcoming, while "did not specify" is a more neutral statement. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

What does it mean when something "failed to specify"?

It means that it lacked sufficient detail or precision, leaving out important information that was expected or necessary for a full understanding.