only to specify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only to specify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is done solely for the purpose of clarification or detailing. Example: "He made the changes only to specify the requirements more clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

We could allow the revision rule only to specify the value of sentences, allowing nonsentences to be in our out of the extension of T, willy-nilly.

SEP

A scientific computing toolkit for generic solution of PDEs would be a great benefit for such workers, requiring them only to specify the physics of their problem, with numerical issues handled by the toolkit.

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

Users have only to specify the significance factor, i.e., the percentage of changes in the dataflow output (or against a reference) that would be meaningful and significant to decision-makers.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

end{aligned}This function is used only to specify the external checkable predicate begin{aligned} textit{tooExpensive}(N,Y,Z,P) equiv (f(N,Y,Z) < P), end{aligned}which in turn is used in the following program clause: begin{aligned} begin{array}{l} [textit{offers} X,N,Y,Z) wedge textit{hasPrice} X,P), wedge quad quad textit{tooExpensive}(N,Y,Z,P)] rightarrow textit{excluded}_0(X).

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

The research team needs only to specify to a prison service the criteria for eligible releases.

Addiction

The aim of the group sessions is not only to specify hindrances, but also to propose work-oriented solutions.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Now on paid administrative leave, Mr. Rogoskey spent 12 years , 1987through 1998, on top-secret, undercover operations involving some of the government's deepest secrets that are accessible only to specified people.

The New York Times

Through these classifications, contributors have full control over whether a given resource is made available to the public or only to specified collaborators.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

The easiest option would be to apply presumed consent only to specified groups (e.g. autonomous adults) and to disallow any vulnerable individuals from being considered as members of these groups.

BMC Medical Ethics

Interestingly, Nodal signaling on the ventral side is not only required to specify ventral fates, but also for expression of bmp2/4 in the ventral ectoderm (Duboc et al., 2004).

Biology Open

Timed Abstract State Machine (TASM) is a formalism not only able to specify behavior and communication but also timing and resource aspects of the system.

Journal of Systems Architecture

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only to specify" when you want to emphasize that the sole reason for an action is to provide more detail or clarity. It adds precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "only to specify" in very casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only to specify" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating the purpose or intention behind an action or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only to specify" is grammatically correct and serves to emphasize that the sole purpose of an action is to provide detail or clarification. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it's most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While it can be useful for adding precision, avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. The phrase is generally well-regarded, but ensure its use adds value to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely to define

Replaces "specify" with "define", focusing on establishing a clear meaning.

simply to delineate

Uses "delineate" instead of "specify", emphasizing a precise outlining or marking of something.

just to stipulate

Substitutes "specify" with "stipulate", highlighting the act of setting a condition or requirement.

solely for clarification

Focuses on the purpose of making something clearer, replacing "specify" with a broader term.

exclusively to detail

Emphasizes the detailed aspect of specifying, using "detail" as a replacement.

purely to indicate

Replaces "specify" with "indicate", focusing on pointing something out.

only for the purpose of defining

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the purpose of defining something.

specifically to identify

Uses "identify" instead of "specify", emphasizing the act of recognizing or establishing something.

precisely to characterize

Substitutes "specify" with "characterize", focusing on describing the distinctive features of something.

uniquely to determine

Replaces "specify" with "determine", highlighting the act of finding something out definitively.

FAQs

How can I use "only to specify" in a sentence?

Use "only to specify" to introduce a clarifying detail or condition. For example, "He added a clause "only to specify" the payment terms."

What can I say instead of "only to specify"?

You can use alternatives like "merely to define", "simply to delineate", or "just to stipulate" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "only to specify"?

While not inherently redundant, ensure the specification is actually necessary and adds value. Otherwise, a more concise phrasing might be preferable.

What's the difference between "only to specify" and "in order to specify"?

"Only to specify" emphasizes that the specification is the sole purpose. "In order to specify" simply indicates a purpose without emphasizing exclusivity.