obtain specifics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain specifics" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to request detailed information or clarification about a particular subject or issue. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, I need to obtain specifics about the client's requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Lott said he had asked Senator Orrin G. Hatch of Utah, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, to begin hearings as early as Tuesday that would explore that question as well as obtain specifics on how much Ms. Reno had spent on the raid and other assorted activities.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

[Investigators] have to obtain specific permission to access communications data.

The Guardian

By contrast, students intent on a professional architectural career were traveling to obtain specific aesthetic and technological skills".

The New York Times - Arts

A recent report by the General Accounting Office estimates that every year at least 8.5 million Americans request and obtain specific prescriptions after seeing or hearing ads for particular drugs.

The New York Times

All governments and other stakeholders can access the repository to obtain specific information on the hazards that threaten them, whether storm, quake, volcanic blast or tsunami, he says.

The Guardian - Tech

Remes and Ackerman claim that the court should rule that the President must obtain specific authorization from Congress or disengage all American forces from the war.

The New Yorker

H. Lewis & Sons to obtain specific details regarding the February service in Houston.

The New York Times

The official said the F.B.I. had not learned the identity of Mr. Midhar or Mr. Alhazmi from the informer, who was known as a "passive source," meaning he was not assigned to obtain specific intelligence but routinely passed on information.

The New York Times

The Supreme Court, in balancing a president's right to have candid White House discussions against the need of the public and the justice system to obtain specific information, has recognized it as a presidential prerogative, although a qualified one.

The New York Times

Other substances, such as optical brighteners, water softeners, and abrasives, are often added to obtain specific characteristics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since its enactment, the Obama administration has been using that massively expanded eavesdropping authority to spy on the electronic communications of Americans without the need to obtain specific warrants (the law simply provides that the government must periodically obtain court approval for their general methods of eavesdropping, but not approval for their specific eavesdropping targets).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obtain specifics", ensure the context clearly indicates what kind of details you are seeking. Be precise in your request to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "obtain specifics" without clearly defining what 'specifics' you need. A vague request can lead to irrelevant or incomplete information. Always clarify the subject of your inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain specifics" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of acquiring detailed or particular information about a subject. As per Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtain specifics" is a correct and usable verb phrase, as verified by Ludwig, used to describe the action of acquiring detailed information. While relatively rare in usage, it finds its primary contexts in science, news & media, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying the subject for which specifics are needed to avoid vagueness. Semantically related alternatives include "get specific details" and "acquire detailed information". Despite its correctness, being too vague when requiring "specifics" is a common pitfall that writers should avoid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Get specific details

Uses "get" instead of "obtain", making it slightly more informal.

Acquire detailed information

"Acquire" is a more formal synonym for "obtain", and "detailed" replaces "specifics".

Find out the specifics

Uses a phrasal verb "find out" for a more casual tone.

Gather precise data

Emphasizes the collection of accurate numerical or factual information.

Clarify the details

Focuses on making existing information clearer and more understandable.

Ascertain the facts

"Ascertain" implies a careful and thorough investigation to find out the truth.

Pinpoint the details

Emphasizes precision and accuracy in identifying the exact details.

Determine the particulars

"Determine" suggests a more conclusive and investigative process.

Elucidate the facts

"Elucidate" implies to make something obscure clear; to explain.

Investigate the particulars

Highlights a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the details.

FAQs

How can I use "obtain specifics" in a sentence?

You can use "obtain specifics" when you want to indicate the act of getting or acquiring detailed information about something. For example, "We need to obtain specifics about the project requirements before starting."

What's a more formal way to say "obtain specifics"?

A more formal way to say "obtain specifics" is to use phrases like "acquire detailed information" or "ascertain the facts".

What can I say instead of "obtain specifics" in a casual context?

In a casual context, you could say "get specific details" or "find out the specifics".

Is it better to use "obtain specifics" or "get specifics"?

"Obtain specifics" is generally considered more formal than "get specifics". Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and audience of your communication.