it needs to be specified

USAGE SUMMARY

'it needs to be specified' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when something needs to be made more specific. For example, "I think something needs to be done about the situation, but it needs to be specified what exactly should be done."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And virtually all occupations are still gender-labelled: with the exception of a few occupations (prostitute, nurse, secretary) where the reverse is true and it needs to be specified if the person is a man, one has to put "woman" in front of most job titles when it's a woman doing them; otherwise the presumption will always be that one is referring to a man.

The Guardian

It needs to be specified.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

It needs to be specified here that a revised version of the M-CHAT (M-CHAT-R/F; [ 95]) with an algorithm based on three risk levels has been recently published and recommended for primary care settings.

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

If we wish to stamp out child pornography, for example, it needs to be specified that when material is supplied on the Internet, an address is always given, a personal code or something of the kind, so that it is the supplier who is responsible.

EU Parlament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"If year-on-year efficiency savings are required, that needs to be specified in the contract".

The Guardian

Being so general, the approach needs to be specified in order to inspire original applications.

SEP

What counts as i's "having reason to endorse L" therefore needs to be specified.

SEP

First, the mechanism of population migration (e.g., housing factors) needs to be specified.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

The spectral index needs to be specified when one reproduces the wavevector spectrum using a model.

Earth, Planets and Space

Moreover, a cutoff for elevated CSF opening pressure needs to be specified (Friedman and Jacobson 2002).

The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery

An appropriate role for evidence from lay users' needs to be specified.

Heritage Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it needs to be specified" when indicating a requirement for precision or detail, especially in technical or formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it needs to be specified" without a clear antecedent for 'it.' Readers should not have to guess what you are referring to; be explicit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs to be specified" functions as a statement indicating a requirement for further detail or clarification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights that a particular element requires more precise definition to avoid ambiguity. Examples show its usage in various contexts where clarity is crucial.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it needs to be specified" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the necessity for greater detail or precision. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase serves to highlight areas requiring further clarification across both scientific and media contexts. Although classified as "Rare" in terms of frequency, its appropriate use ensures accuracy and completeness in communication. When using this phrase, be sure to provide the clarification that is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it must be defined

Emphasizes the necessity of a clear and precise definition.

it should be clarified

Focuses on making something clearer and more understandable.

details must be provided

Highlights the need for supplying more specific information.

further explanation is required

Indicates a need for a more thorough explanation.

it has to be determined

Stresses the importance of establishing or finding something out.

more precision is necessary

Implies that greater accuracy and detail are needed.

specifications are needed

Highlights the need for detailed requirements or standards.

it requires elaboration

Suggests that more detail and expansion are necessary.

a clearer indication is necessary

Emphasizes the need for a more obvious and understandable sign or signal.

exact parameters must be set

Focuses on the necessity of establishing precise and fixed parameters.

FAQs

How can I use "it needs to be specified" in a sentence?

Use "it needs to be specified" to indicate that a detail or aspect requires further clarification or more precise definition. For example, "The type of data "it needs to be specified" for accurate analysis".

What does "it needs to be specified" mean?

It means that something requires further detail, precision, or a clear definition to avoid ambiguity or ensure proper understanding. In other words, the specific characteristics or parameters "it needs to be specified".

What are some alternatives to "it needs to be specified"?

Alternatives include "it should be clarified", "it must be defined", or "details must be provided", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it needs to be specified"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a particular aspect or detail requires further clarification or definition to ensure accuracy, completeness, or proper understanding. It is often used in technical, formal, or academic writing where precision is important.