it specified that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it specified that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular detail or requirement that has been clearly stated in a document or conversation. Example: "The contract was clear; it specified that all payments must be made by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

When the United States Securities and Exchange Commission decided to allow foreign companies to file financial reports using the international standards without reconciling them to American rules, it specified that exemption was being granted only to companies that followed the rules without the carve-out.

The New York Times

The committee had clearly done its arithmetic: It specified that the $117 million should be used to fully fund the relatively small amounts requested for three projects close to completion, plus $83 million of the $103 million requested for OOI.

Science Magazine

In its ruling on Tuesday, it specified that Mr. Yunus's term in office had expired in 1999, the year before he turned 60.

The New York Times

It specified that prussic acid might be used.

The New York Times

It specified that Iran should develop enough nuclear fuel to generate 20,000 megawatts of electricity.

The New York Times

It specified that his music, image and name couldn't be used for advertising.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

It specifies that "any exclusion of a pupil, even for short periods of time, must be formally recorded".

The Guardian

It specifies that Hunt supervise all city issues.

Los Angeles Times

Nor did it specify that Islamic State was a primary target.

Los Angeles Times

Yet it specifies that authorization is not required to repel attacks, to thwart imminent attacks, or to engage in hot pursuit into enemy territory.

Huffington Post

Nor does it specify that courts and regulators focus only on the impact such deals could have on consumer prices without concern for any other ill effects.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it specified that", ensure the context clearly identifies what 'it' refers to, maintaining clarity and avoiding ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it specified that" if the 'it' is unclear or hasn't been explicitly defined earlier in the text. Always ensure 'it' has a clear reference to prevent confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it specified that" functions as a discourse marker introducing a specific detail, rule, or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. The phrase serves to highlight the explicit nature of the information being presented, drawing attention to precise stipulations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it specified that" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to introduce explicit details or requirements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it works to draw attention to precise stipulations in neutral to professional contexts. It is primarily used in news, scientific, and wiki-based sources, making it a versatile phrase for clear and direct communication. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to, and that the level of formality matches the setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it stipulated that

Replaces 'specified' with 'stipulated', implying a formal agreement or condition.

it indicated that

Uses 'indicated' instead of 'specified', suggesting a less direct or formal communication.

it detailed that

Emphasizes the provision of thorough details, replacing 'specified'.

it prescribed that

Suggests a rule or guideline was set, changing 'specified' to 'prescribed'.

it laid down that

Replaces 'specified' with 'laid down', implying authority or a firm decision.

it determined that

Uses 'determined' to show a conclusion or decision was reached, instead of a specification.

it required that

Highlights a mandatory aspect, substituting 'specified' with 'required'.

it clarified that

Replaces 'specified' with 'clarified', emphasizing the removal of ambiguity.

it announced that

Emphasizes the act of making something publicly known, using 'announced' instead of 'specified'.

the conditions stated that

Rephrases to focus on pre-existing conditions using the phrase "the conditions stated", moving away from the act of specifying.

FAQs

How can I use "it specified that" in a sentence?

Use "it specified that" to introduce a detail or requirement that was explicitly mentioned. For instance, "The contract was clear; it specified that all payments must be made by the end of the month."

What can I say instead of "it specified that"?

You can use alternatives like "it stipulated that", "it indicated that", or "it detailed that depending on the context".

Is "it specified that" formal or informal?

The phrase "it specified that" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for most writing contexts including news reports, academic papers, and business communications.

What's the difference between "it specified that" and "it implied that"?

"It specified that" indicates an explicit statement, while "it implied that" suggests something was communicated indirectly, without being explicitly stated.