it was specified

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was specified" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular detail or fact that was previously outlined or stated. For example: "In the contract, it was specified that the payment was due within 30 days."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

It was specified that the equilibrium was reached at 7.5 h.

Process Biochemistry

In the bottom-up application it was specified separately for individual holdings, aiming at promoting the acceptability of the plan.

Forest Policy and Economics

"They executed the plan as it was specified," Adm. Vern Clark, the chief of naval operations said of the American commanders' security precautions.

The New York Times

It also lies with developers and contractors – the ones that clad UK high-rises in flammable materials and left out insulation where it was specified.

The Guardian

A crude woodcut often headed the sheet, and under the title it was specified that the ballad was to be sung to the tune of some popular air.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although it has been used worldwide for decades, manufacturing of Blast Furnace Slag Cement (CEM III/A) has boomed since it was specified in the Egyptian Cement Standard ESS 4756 on 2006.

Construction and Building Materials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Its dosage does not exceed 5% of cement mass (as it is specified for admixtures in the European Standard EN 206-1).

Construction and Building Materials

Often it is specified anyway for clarity.

Stanford University

It is specified with set_framemode command.

Harvard University

It is specified by using a path like "mdsip://host/directory".

Fusion Engineering and Design

For every feature, the file that provides it is specified, if only a subset of the system is needed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was specified", ensure that the context clearly indicates who made the specification and what the specification entails. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

While "it was specified" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound vague and impersonal. Consider rephrasing to use the active voice when appropriate, such as "the contract specified" instead of "it was specified in the contract."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was specified" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a detail or requirement was explicitly stated. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts. The agent performing the specification is often implicit, emphasizing the information itself.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was specified" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote that something has been explicitly stated or detailed. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its usage is particularly common in scientific, news, and formal contexts, indicating its suitability for professional and academic writing. While correct, writers should be mindful of overusing the passive voice and consider active voice alternatives for clarity. Related phrases, such as "it was stipulated" or "it was defined", can offer subtle variations in meaning, as specified above.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was stipulated

Replaces "specified" with "stipulated", suggesting a formal agreement or condition.

it was defined

Uses "defined" instead of "specified", emphasizing a clear explanation or meaning was provided.

it was prescribed

Substitutes "specified" with "prescribed", implying a mandatory or required action.

it was designated

Replaces "specified" with "designated", focusing on the act of assigning or indicating something for a particular purpose.

it was detailed

Uses "detailed" instead of "specified", highlighting the provision of comprehensive information.

it was indicated

Substitutes "specified" with "indicated", suggesting that something was pointed out or made known.

it was laid down

Replaces "specified" with "laid down", emphasizing the establishment of a rule or principle.

it was set forth

Uses "set forth" instead of "specified", highlighting the presentation of something in a clear and systematic manner.

it was charted

Replaces "specified" with "charted", indicating the mapping or planning of a course of action.

it was determined

Substitutes "specified" with "determined", focusing on the act of deciding or establishing something definitively.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was specified" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "it was stipulated", "it was defined", or "it was indicated" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "it was specified" and "it was indicated"?

"It was specified" implies that something was explicitly stated or detailed. "It was indicated", on the other hand, suggests that something was pointed out or made known, possibly less explicitly. The phrase "it was specified" generally implies a higher level of detail and clarity.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when specifying something?

While "it was specified" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your writing clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "it was specified in the contract", consider "the contract specified". The choice depends on the context and the emphasis you want to place.

In what contexts is "it was specified" most commonly used?

The phrase "it was specified" is frequently used in formal writing contexts such as legal documents, technical manuals, and academic papers. It's commonly used to denote that a particular detail, requirement, or condition was explicitly stated.