it was specific

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was specific" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that was clearly defined or detailed in a particular context. Example: "The instructions were clear, and it was specific about the steps we needed to follow."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The specificity assay showed it was specific for T. sergenti whilst the LAMP was able to detect a parasitemia level of 0.000002% which was more sensitive than conventional PCR.

Veterinary Parasitology

It was specific, measurable in terms of its performance and achievable within existing resources and a defined time frame.

BMC Nursing

Rather, Hamas leaders said, it was specific retaliation for the killing of two of its militants in an Israeli raid last week in the West Bank city of Nablus.

The New York Times

The malaise wasn't general, it was specific.

The Guardian

I thought it was specific to that article.

The Guardian - Music

The request was a first, and it was specific.

The New York Times - Sports

But following the ruling, Airbnb said it was specific to this case only.

The Guardian - Money

The officials added that no matter the information's vintage, it was specific and alarming.

The New York Times

So whatever the problem was, it was specific to Mrs. Clinton versus Mr. Obama.

The New York Times

"I don't think it was specific to any location but that something was afoot in that area".

The New York Times

He said that while the threat was not corroborated, it was specific enough to warrant an immediate and overwhelming response.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was specific", ensure the context clearly shows what "it" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by providing enough background information or using a more descriptive subject.

Common error

Avoid using "it was specific" without clearly defining what "it" refers to. This can lead to confusion and weaken your writing. Always ensure the subject is clear from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was specific" functions as a declarative statement, attributing a quality of being clearly defined or detailed to a subject. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts ranging from scientific research to news reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

51%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was specific" is a versatile phrase used to convey that something is clearly defined and detailed, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, from science to news, make it a reliable choice. Remember to avoid ambiguity by ensuring the subject is clear from the context. For alternative expressions, consider "it was precise" or "it was detailed", depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was precise

Focuses on accuracy and exactness, rather than general detail.

it was particular

Emphasizes a certain uniqueness or distinction.

it was defined

Highlights the clarity and unambiguity of something.

it was detailed

Suggests thoroughness and a high level of information.

it was explicit

Implies openness and clarity, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

it was exact

Stresses the correctness and precision of something.

it was designated

Indicates that something was officially chosen or assigned.

it was tailored

Suggests a custom fit or adaptation for a certain purpose.

it was targeted

Implies that something was directed towards a certain goal or audience.

it was intentional

Emphasizes that something was done on purpose, not accidentally.

FAQs

How can I use "it was specific" in a sentence?

You can use "it was specific" to describe something that is clearly defined and detailed. For example, "The plan was well-defined, and "it was specific" about the resources required."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was specific"?

Alternatives to "it was specific" include "it was precise", "it was detailed", or "it was explicit" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between saying "it was specific" and "it was particular"?

"It was specific" emphasizes clarity and detail, while "it was particular" highlights a certain uniqueness or distinction. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.

When is it best to use "it was specific" over other similar phrases?

Use "it was specific" when you want to emphasize the clarity, detail, and lack of ambiguity in something. This is especially useful when contrasting something with a general or vague counterpart.