in specific terms

USAGE SUMMARY

"in specific terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about giving something more detailed or precise definition. For example, "We need to define our plan of action in specific terms in order to ensure that everyone knows what they have to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We need to spell out in specific terms what we plan to do.

The Guardian

Directors must define it in specific terms and get it right.

Harvard Business Review

Then they tried to assess how those alterations would play out in specific terms.

The New York Times

In your reporting for this piece, were N.Y.P.D. experts reluctant to talk in specific terms about New York's weak spots?

The New Yorker

One area, difficult to discuss in specific terms, is that of sensory communication.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That cause, though, in specific terms, was virtually impossible to decipher.

The New York Times

Tell us in specific terms what you would do that reflects the best and what you would do that rejects the worst.

The New York Times

In specific terms of Obama's latest nominees, their formative military experiences were framed in the darkest days of the conflict in Iraq.

The Guardian - Opinion

In any case, movies, and art over all, don't help, can't help, aren't meant to help—in the short term or in specific terms.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In specific term weighting approach, we seched PubMed for the abstracts containing the extracted terms and HCC.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

In specific term weighting, abstracts were retrieved by PubMed search for each extracted term and its synonyms.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical or formal writing, using "in specific terms" can signal a shift from theoretical discussion to practical application or examples, enhancing the clarity and impact of your arguments.

Common error

While useful for clarification, relying too heavily on "in specific terms" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "explicitly", "precisely", or "in detail" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in specific terms" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause to indicate that information is being presented or requested with a high level of detail and precision. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in clarifying statements and providing explicit details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in specific terms" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the need for or provision of detailed and precise information. Ludwig AI confirms its usage as a correct and effective way to bring clarity to discussions and writing. With high occurrence in news, scientific and formal contexts, it is crucial for clear communication. While generally accepted, it is advisable to vary your writing with synonyms to prevent repetition. Its widespread use across authoritative sources indicates its value in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specifically

A more direct synonym, emphasizing a particular focus.

in concrete terms

Suggests providing practical, real-world examples and tangible details.

in exact terms

Implies a high degree of precision and accuracy, leaving no room for ambiguity.

explicitly

Highlights the direct and unambiguous nature of the communication.

precisely

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness in the information given.

in detail

Focuses on providing extensive information, emphasizing thoroughness rather than just clarity.

in particular

Points out a certain aspect or detail for emphasis.

to be exact

Introduces a more precise and accurate statement, often correcting a previous generalization.

in plain language

Focuses on making the information easy to understand, avoiding technical jargon.

in black and white

Indicates information presented clearly and definitively, often in writing.

FAQs

How can I use "in specific terms" in a sentence?

Use "in specific terms" to ask for or provide detailed information about a topic. For example, "Can you explain the project requirements "in specific terms"?"

What are some alternatives to "in specific terms"?

You can use alternatives like "explicitly", "precisely", or "in detail" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "in specific terms"?

It's appropriate when you want to move from general statements to concrete details, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity. It's helpful in discussions, reports, and instructions.

What is the difference between "in general terms" and "in specific terms"?

"In general terms" refers to broad or overarching ideas, while ""in specific terms"" focuses on particular, detailed aspects. The former provides a summary, and the latter offers precise information.