make it specific

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make it specific" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to clarify or provide more detailed information about a topic or request. Example: "In your report, please make it specific regarding the budget allocations for each department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The CusC protein does not have any obvious features that would make it specific for metal ions, suggesting that the narrow substrate specificity of the pump is provided by other components of the pump, most likely by the inner membrane component CusA.

Plosone

But that's the thing with art: if you make it specific, it's universal.

The Guardian

If you intend to study for a masters, make it specific rather than general, so focus on the particular area of international development that interests you.

The Guardian

Neither of these characters are African-American, but many hip-hop gangsta figures have been able to appropriate their imagery and make it specific to their own circumstances.

The New York Times - Books

"The great thing about the Meebo platform is that we can change those offers quickly and make it specific to what's going on right now," Mr. Stoupa said.

The New York Times

No employer wants to feel like you've just sent out a batch of applications, hoping one of them calls you, so ensure you make it specific to the organisation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Maybe I took the general and made it specific.

The New York Times

I try to tell a building's story: what makes it specific for a period, location and climate – from high-end architects like Zaha Hadid to people at the other extreme.

The Guardian - Arts

The Other gathers all soft tissues not included in the biokinetic model, assuming no enhanced uptake of the radiopharmaceutical, making it specific for each model.

EJNMMI Research

The platform does not employ radioactive labels or antibodies, which makes it specific as well as time and cost-effective.

BMC Biotechnology

We have demonstrated that other corneal cells or the intrastromal matrix do not internalize the fluorescent compound, making it specific to the pathogen.

Biomedical Optics Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make it specific" in writing, follow it with a clear indication of what aspect needs to be more specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "make it specific" without clarifying which part requires more detail. Always indicate the area needing further specification to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make it specific" functions as an imperative, typically used to request clarification or greater detail. Ludwig AI suggests that this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

28%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make it specific" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that functions as an imperative, typically requesting clarification or more detailed information. According to Ludwig, it is employed across diverse contexts like news, science, and general instructions. While generally neutral in register, clarity in its application is key: always indicate what aspect requires further detailing to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases such as "specify it", "clarify it", and "detail it" offer similar meanings, ensuring your communication is as precise and understandable as possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specify it

This alternative is a more concise way to ask for something to be made specific, directly using the verb 'specify'.

clarify it

This alternative focuses on making something clearer and easier to understand, synonymous with providing specific details.

detail it

This suggests providing more details and expanding on the information to make it more specific.

be more precise

This directs for a higher degree of accuracy and exactness in the information being provided, aligning with specificity.

add more detail

This alternative is a request to provide more information, thereby making something more specific through added details.

make it more detailed

This alternative is an expanded version of 'detail it', emphasizing the act of adding more detail.

provide specifics

This phrase directly asks for specific details to be provided, highlighting the need for concrete information.

give concrete examples

This asks for tangible examples to illustrate a point, which inherently adds specificity.

elaborate further

This suggests expanding on the existing information, thus making it more specific through additional elaboration.

define it clearly

This emphasizes the need for a clear and unambiguous definition, implying the removal of vagueness and the addition of specificity.

FAQs

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

You can use "make it specific" when you need someone to provide more details or clarify a statement. For example, "Please make it specific about which features need to be improved".

What are some alternatives to "make it specific"?

You can use alternatives like "specify it", "clarify it", or "detail it" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "make it more specific"?

While technically "more" isn't always necessary, "make it more specific" is a common and acceptable way to emphasize the need for greater detail. It is similar to saying "add more detail".

What's the difference between "make it specific" and "make it definitive"?

"Make it specific" means to provide more details. "Make it definitive" suggests providing a final, authoritative answer, which is related but not synonymous. You could "make it clear", if you want it more definitive.