less specificity for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less specificity for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where a lower level of detail or precision is acceptable or preferred in a particular context. Example: "In this analysis, we will allow for less specificity for broader trends rather than focusing on minute details."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

By coarse, we mean that we selected higher-level terms, or those with less specificity, for quality and sometimes entity.

Plosone

Compared to the oncogene c-MYC expression in these same samples, NS expression showed a much less specificity for ccRCC.

British Journal of Cancer

A PAC profile provides greater overall coverage but less specificity for signal transcripts that move through the sieve element system.

BMC Genomics

Compared to the c-MYC oncogene, NS expression shows less specificity for ccRCC, and is unlikely to serve as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for RCC.

British Journal of Cancer

In addition, the sequence context of ∼80% of the G mutations is GpA, but with less specificity for the 5′ base.

eLife

On the contrary, if the cluster of the outliers consists of ECs and non-ECs, these genes were considered to have less specificity for ECs and were filtered out from the final analysis.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

If so, a brief mention would be helpful along with an acknowledgment that the data for scenes and the fornix have less specificity than those for faces and the ILF.

eLife

For instance, CNCs with strong specificity could be involved directly in gene regulations (e.g. CNC7, 8 and 9) whereas CNCs with less specificity may be important for the formation of chromatin-chromatin interactions (e.g. CNC1, 10).

Plosone

The trade-off must be endured: more sensitivity for less specificity, or the reverse.

Drug Safety

However it is to be noted that small molecule ligands make for less specificity, leading to copurification of other factors and low productivity of the process, which is a key disadvantage for their routine use.

BioMed Research International

As microRNA could regulate multiple targets [ 25], it is possible that the mir3686 mimic we used in this study could target other genes as well; thus it will result in less specificity and moderate inhibition for PLK1.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less specificity for", ensure the context clearly indicates why reduced precision or focus is acceptable or even advantageous. For example, "We allowed for "less specificity for" broad trends to identify overarching patterns."

Common error

Avoid using "less specificity for" when you actually intend to convey a complete lack of relevance or applicability. "Less specificity" implies a broader scope, not complete irrelevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less specificity for" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate a reduced level of precision or focus. It's commonly used to describe a deliberate choice to allow for broader inclusion or a more generalized approach as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

83%

News & Media

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less specificity for" is a grammatically sound and usable prepositional phrase indicating a reduced level of precision or focus, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it conveys a deliberate choice to prioritize breadth over minute detail. While alternatives like "reduced specificity toward" and "lower selectivity for" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance desired. When employing "less specificity for", ensure clarity regarding why this reduced precision is acceptable or beneficial. Be careful not to confuse it with implying irrelevance. With a source quality score of 83 and an expert rating of 4.3, understanding its proper usage can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced specificity toward

Focuses on the reduction in how targeted something is, changing the preposition and noun.

lower selectivity for

Replaces "specificity" with "selectivity", emphasizing the reduced preference for a particular target.

decreased precision in

Shifts the focus to the precision aspect, indicating a reduction in accuracy or detail.

broader scope for

Emphasizes a wider range of application or consideration, rather than a lack of focus.

general applicability to

Highlights the wider range of application, moving away from the concept of 'specificity'.

less defined for

Indicates a lack of clear boundaries or characteristics for a certain area.

lower resolution of

Uses a term common in imaging or data analysis to convey a lack of fine detail.

diminished focus on

Highlights the reduced emphasis on particular aspects, shifting from the specificity aspect.

relaxed criteria for

Emphasizes the loosening of requirements for something, rather than a lack of specific focus.

wider tolerance of

Suggests a greater acceptance of variation or deviation, diverging from the idea of specificity.

FAQs

What does "less specificity for" mean?

The phrase "less specificity for" indicates a reduced level of detail or precision in relation to something. It suggests a broader focus or a more general application, where minute distinctions are not as important.

How can I use "less specificity for" in a sentence?

You can use "less specificity for" to describe situations where a general approach is preferred over a highly detailed one. For example, "This method allows "broader scope for" different types of data, resulting in "less specificity for" individual data points".

What are some alternatives to "less specificity for"?

Alternatives include "reduced specificity toward", "lower selectivity for", or "decreased precision in". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "less specificity for"?

It's appropriate when you want to indicate that a lack of fine-grained detail is acceptable or even desirable. This might be the case when looking for general patterns, dealing with diverse data, or prioritizing speed over accuracy. But make sure there is no complete irrelevance intended. Otherwise use 'irrelevant'.