more specific answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more specific answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting a response that provides greater detail or clarity on a particular topic or question. Example: "Could you please provide a more specific answer regarding the project's timeline?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

So I can't give you a more specific answer for your area.

Cornell University

However, I'm trying to get a more specific answer for you and also find out about man hours.

Columbia University

It will be easier to get a more specific answer by checking the plans on your state's exchange.

The New York Times

Asked for a more specific answer about a piece of legislation he would repeal, Paul said he supported "a host of bills" that would repeal or amend various aspects of the criminal justice system.

The Guardian

We'll spend the next year working to find a more specific answer.

Forbes

Some of those who reject relative identity nevertheless accept that a cannot be identical with b, unless there is a more specific answer to the question whether a is the same thing as b.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

How can this help us develop clearer, more specific answers to major health care delivery issues?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For more specific answers, we turned to our development partner, Hop Studios, a web design company based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

University of California, Berkeley

But increasingly customers are looking for more specific answers to questions such as what do customers like me think of this product or service.

Harvard Business Review

I know and understand more and I can provide more specific answers.' The other biology teachers declared during their interviews that they tend to insert more updated contents into their lessons.

International Journal of STEM Education

She said she was disappointed with the lack of more specific answers.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, "more specific answer" is useful for guiding readers towards precise data or results, rather than broad summaries.

Common error

While appropriate in formal settings, repeatedly demanding a "more specific answer" can sound demanding or impatient in casual conversations. Consider rephrasing to be more polite, such as "Could you elaborate on that a bit?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more specific answer" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb (e.g., 'request', 'need', 'provide'). Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to request or indicate the need for a response with greater detail or precision.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more specific answer" is a grammatically sound phrase used to request a response with greater detail, accuracy, or focus. As Ludwig AI validates, it's widely applicable across various contexts, including academic, news, and scientific domains. While versatile, it's crucial to adjust the tone and phrasing to suit the situation, especially in casual settings, to avoid sounding demanding. Alternative phrases such as "more detailed response" or "more precise reply" can offer nuanced ways to achieve the same goal while maintaining clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more detailed response

Focuses on the level of detail provided in the answer.

more precise reply

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of the answer.

more explicit explanation

Highlights the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the explanation.

a clearer answer

Indicates a need for better understanding and less confusion.

a more thorough explanation

Suggests a need for a more comprehensive and complete account.

a more concrete answer

Implies the need for an answer grounded in facts, not abstract ideas.

a more definitive answer

Indicates a desire for a final and authoritative response.

a more exact response

Stresses the need for accuracy and precision.

a more particular answer

Highlights the focus on a specific aspect or detail.

a more circumscribed answer

This alternative is much less common and emphasizes limitation or precision in scope.

FAQs

How can I ask for a more detailed explanation instead of saying "more specific answer"?

You can use phrases like "Could you elaborate on that?", "Can you provide "more details"?", or "Can you be "more explicit"?".

What's the difference between "more specific answer" and "more precise answer"?

"More specific answer" implies a need for greater detail, while "more precise answer" suggests a need for greater accuracy or exactness.

Is it appropriate to use "more specific answer" in formal communication?

Yes, "more specific answer" is appropriate in formal communication, such as emails or reports, when seeking clarification or further information.

When should I use "more detailed response" instead of "more specific answer"?

Use "more detailed response" when you need additional information or elaboration on a topic, while "more specific answer" is better when you need a narrower or more focused reply.