or more specifically

USAGE SUMMARY

"or more specifically" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when introducing a more specific example or point that elaborates on a more general statement. For example, "The car will need regular maintenance, or more specifically, oil changes every 3,000 miles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or, more specifically, grief.

The New York Times

Those people exist, or more specifically, existed.

The New York Times

Or, more specifically, the Holocaust.

The New York Times

Or, more specifically, points difference.

The Guardian - Sport

Or, more specifically, your ages.

The New York Times

Or, more specifically, food sustainability.

Columbia University

Or more specifically, they play Rock Band.

The New York Times

Or, more specifically, the lack of it.

The New Yorker

Or more specifically, a lack of it.

The New York Times

Or more specifically, her kids are.

The Guardian

"Or, more specifically, why my life ended.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "or more specifically" to transition smoothly from a general idea to a more concrete instance or explanation. This helps ensure your audience understands the precise details you are conveying.

Common error

Avoid using "or more specifically" when the subsequent statement is already inherently specific. Redundancy can make your writing sound verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "or more specifically" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, introducing a more detailed or precise explanation of a preceding statement. Ludwig AI shows its function by examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "or more specifically" is a versatile tool for adding clarity and precision to your writing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves as a conjunctive phrase to introduce a more detailed explanation of a previous statement. It’s commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts. To ensure clarity, avoid using this phrase when the subsequent information is already obviously specific. By using related phrases like "more precisely" or "in particular", you can fine-tune your expression to suit various writing styles. Remember, it is better to offer more precise explanations in your written content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more clearly

Similar to "or more specifically", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on improving comprehension.

more precisely

Focuses on exactness and accuracy in the subsequent clarification.

more accurately

Highlights a subtle but important increase in accuracy in the subsequent statement.

to be more exact

Emphasizes the intention to provide a more accurate or detailed version of a statement.

in particular

Highlights a specific aspect or element from a broader subject.

namely

Introduces a specific example or detail that clarifies the preceding statement.

that is to say

Indicates an explanation or rephrasing for better understanding.

put another way

Offers an alternative formulation of the same idea.

in other words

Restates a concept using different terminology.

to clarify

Signals the intent to remove ambiguity or provide further details.

FAQs

How can I use "or more specifically" in a sentence?

Use "or more specifically" to introduce a more detailed or precise explanation of a preceding statement. For example, "The project requires careful planning, or more specifically, a detailed timeline with milestones."

What are some alternatives to "or more specifically"?

You can use alternatives such as "more precisely", "in particular", or "namely" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "or more specifically" if the following statement is already specific?

Yes, using "or more specifically" can be redundant if the following statement is already inherently specific. It's best to avoid using the phrase in such cases to maintain conciseness.

What's the difference between "or more specifically" and "or more accurately"?

"Or more specifically" introduces a more detailed explanation, while "or more accurately" implies a correction or refinement of the previous statement to improve its accuracy.