have been specified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been specified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something has been clearly defined or detailed in the past and is still relevant. Example: "The requirements for the project have been specified in the initial proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But no cuts have been specified.

The New York Times

First, types of knowledge have been specified.

Expert Systems with Applications

Syllabuses and teaching methods have been specified narrowly.

The Economist

If you don't get the grades that have been specified in your offers, don't panic.

The Guardian

This should be called on every machine after all the NetCon delays have been specified.

Yale University

Predominantly, metrological elements have been specified to explain variability in ridership volume.

Journal of Transport Geography

"But no rules have been specified for the storage conditions for the grain".

The New York Times

Distance denotes a rigid body on which two material points (marks) have been specified.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The results have been specified to give recommendations for the improvement of the design.

Fusion Engineering and Design

This is the first time that turbulence parameter values have been specified for CEC devices.

Renewable Energy

Several requirements to the design of cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalysts have been specified.

Catalysis Today

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been specified" when you want to clearly indicate that requirements, conditions, or details have been precisely defined and communicated.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "have been specified" excessively in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "explained" or "mentioned" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been specified" functions as a passive perfect construction, indicating that a particular action of specifying something has been completed, and its results are still relevant. Examples in Ludwig show its wide usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

23%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been specified" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction that signifies that something has been clearly defined or detailed. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread, especially in scientific, academic, and news contexts. To ensure clarity and appropriateness, consider the formality of your writing and context. While generally correct, simpler alternatives exist for more casual settings. Remember that the choice between "have been specified" and similar alternatives such as "have been defined" or "have been determined" depends on the specific meaning you intend to convey. The frequency of the phrase reflects its utility in precisely communicating information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been determined

Emphasizes the act of finding out or establishing something definitively.

have been defined

Focuses on providing a clear and precise meaning or explanation.

have been designated

Highlights the act of officially assigning a role, purpose, or characteristic.

have been prescribed

Suggests a set of rules or instructions that must be followed.

have been laid down

Implies a formal establishment of rules, laws, or principles.

have been stipulated

Highlights a specific demand or condition in an agreement.

have been set out

Focuses on presenting details or information in a structured manner.

have been formalized

Emphasizes the act of making something official or legally binding.

have been standardized

Highlights the act of conforming to a specific set of rules or guidelines.

have been codified

Focuses on arranging laws or rules into a systematic code.

FAQs

How can I use "have been specified" in a sentence?

You can use "have been specified" to indicate that particular details, requirements, or instructions have been clearly defined. For example, "The project guidelines "have been specified" in the contract".

What are some alternatives to "have been specified"?

Some alternatives include "have been defined", "have been determined", or "have been outlined", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "had been specified" instead of "have been specified"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct but convey different tenses. "Have been specified" refers to something specified in the past that is still relevant, while "had been specified" refers to something specified in the more distant past, before another past event.

What's the difference between "have been specified" and "are specified"?

"Have been specified" indicates a past action with present relevance (the details were specified and are still in effect). "Are specified" indicates a current state (the details are currently specified). The best choice depends on the context.