not specified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not specified" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate that something is not clearly stated or defined in a sentence. Example: The instructions for the assignment were not specified, so I was unsure of what was expected of me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not specified.

The New York Times

Seasons were not specified.

The New York Times

The injury was not specified.

The New York Times

The violations were not specified.

Independent

The substance was not specified.

The New York Times - Sports

The problems were not specified.

The New York Times

(Which one was not specified).

The New York Times - Arts

Those limits were not specified.

The Guardian - Opinion

The charges were not specified.

The New York Times

This evidence was not specified.

The New York Times

The exact amount, however, was not specified.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not specified" when you want to clearly indicate that certain details are absent or unknown in a given context. This avoids ambiguity and sets expectations for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "not specified" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with alternatives such as "unknown", "unclear", or rephrase to provide more context about why the information is missing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not specified" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate that a particular detail or piece of information about that noun is missing or has not been explicitly stated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct way to point out a lack of detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not specified" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote that certain information is missing or has not been explicitly stated. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While it effectively communicates a lack of detail, varying your language and providing context can enhance your writing's clarity and style. Remember to balance its usage with alternatives like "unspecified", "unknown", or "not stated" to avoid redundancy. When employing markdown formatting for alternatives remember: all attributes must be properly escaped with backslashes before quotes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unspecified

A single-word alternative, implying a lack of detail or explicit information.

Not stated

Focuses on the absence of a clear statement regarding something.

Not indicated

Highlights the lack of a signal or indication regarding the missing information.

Undefined

Implies that something lacks a clear definition or boundaries.

Not detailed

Emphasizes the absence of thoroughness or elaboration.

Not disclosed

Suggests that information was intentionally kept private or unrevealed.

Not revealed

Similar to 'not disclosed', but can also imply that information was not discovered.

Left unsaid

Focuses on the act of omitting information verbally.

Omitted

A concise way to say that something has been left out.

Missing

Simple and direct, indicating the absence of something.

FAQs

How can I use "not specified" in a sentence?

"Not specified" is used to indicate that certain details are missing or unknown. For example, "The delivery date was "not specified" at the time of purchase."

What is a good alternative to "not specified"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "unspecified", "unknown", "not stated", or "undefined".

When is it appropriate to use "not specified" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "not specified" in formal writing when you need to clearly indicate that specific information is absent or unavailable. This maintains clarity and transparency in your writing. Ensure that its use aligns with the overall tone and style of your piece.

What's the difference between "unspecified" and "not specified"?

Both "unspecified" and "not specified" convey the same meaning – that certain information is missing or has not been detailed. However, "unspecified" is a single word, while "not specified" is a phrase. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference or the flow of the sentence.