is to be specific

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is to be specific" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to clarify or emphasize a particular point or detail in your statement. Example: "The project deadline is next Friday, and to be specific, it is due by 5 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Perhaps the next step is to be specific and more goal-oriented about open-source initiatives, as Directgov seems to be.

TechCrunch

The key, though, is to be specific.

WikiHow

The first thing you need to do is to be specific about your dream so you can be on your way to making it happen.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Likewise, there will be "spot giveaways on Facebook," Ms. Crider says, which are to be "specific to brand mentions".

The New York Times

More advanced ideas would be to be specific as far as the teams are concerned.

WikiHow

"Our job is to be very specific, and in that specificity to make it real, to make it live again".

The Guardian

One of my five tips for changing the way we talk about development is to be more specific.

The Guardian

And the trial court explicitly acknowledged that there were to be no specific, uniform standards to guide the recounts.

The New York Times

Again, it is good to be specific.

The New Yorker

"It's also important to be specific.

The Guardian

"It's important to be specific," Ms. Fiekowsky said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is to be specific" to highlight the importance of particular details within a broader context. This directs the reader's attention to key aspects of your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "is to be specific" without actually providing the promised specifics. Failing to do so undermines your credibility and leaves your audience uninformed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is to be specific" functions as a transitional phrase used to introduce clarifying or detailed information that elaborates on a previous statement. As Ludwig indicates, its purpose is to emphasize particular details.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is to be specific" serves as a transitional element to introduce clarifying or detailed information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, its purpose is to enhance clarity and focus in various contexts, including news, media and wiki articles. To avoid common errors, ensure that you provide the promised specific details immediately after using the phrase. Alternatives include "to clarify" and "to be precise", offering similar functionalities. Use "is to be specific" to guide your audience toward key aspects of your communication, and refine general statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be specific

Changes the verb tense and voice, focusing on obligation or recommendation rather than a present state.

must be specific

Emphasizes necessity, indicating a requirement for clarity.

needs to be specific

Indicates a need or requirement for more detail.

ought to be specific

Suggests a moral obligation or advisability for detail.

have to be specific

Expresses an obligation or requirement to provide detailed information.

should specify

Replaces the 'to be' construction with a direct verb, indicating the action of specifying.

must specify

Emphasizes a mandatory action of specifying details.

needs to specify

Highlights the necessity of specifying details.

aim to be specific

Suggests an intentional effort to provide detailed information.

attempt to be specific

Implies an effort, possibly with some difficulty, to provide detailed information.

FAQs

How can I use "is to be specific" in a sentence?

You can use "is to be specific" to introduce a more detailed explanation or clarification. For example, "The deadline is next week; to be specific, it's on Friday at 5 PM."

What are some alternatives to "is to be specific"?

Alternatives include "to clarify", "to be precise", or "more specifically" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is to be specific" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance of certain details and ensure that your audience understands exactly what you mean. Use it when general statements need further refinement.

How does "is to be specific" differ from "in general"?

"Is to be specific" is used to narrow down to particular details, while "in general" is used to make broad statements. They serve opposite purposes in communication.