please be explicit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'please be explicit' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you would like someone to clarify a statement or provide detailed information. For example, you might say, "I understand what you're saying, but please be explicit about the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

2) To be clear to a broad audience, please be explicit about how you define a plant 'lineage' as used in your analysis.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And, please be warned, it is as sexually explicit a live piece as you ever are likely to see, unless you, dear reader, traverse an unusual path through our hearty Midwestern city.

Los Angeles Times

The desire to please is also explicit in the way Chambers's compositions sometimes repeat with slight variations — views of West Point, Niagara Falls, Lake George and Mount Vesuvius (which Chambers never saw).

The New York Times - Arts

Please, please, please be ready.

Huffington Post

Please, please be seated.

Huffington Post

Please, please be sincere.

WikiHow

Consent needs to be explicit".

The New York Times

It needs to be explicit.

The New York Times - Sports

And those would be explicit discussions?

The New York Times

Maybe the stenciled patterns should be explicit.

The New York Times

Be explicit".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking for clarification in written communication, use "please be explicit" to politely but firmly request detailed and unambiguous information.

Common error

While "please be explicit" is perfectly acceptable, repeatedly using it in casual conversation may sound overly formal or even demanding. Consider using softer alternatives like "can you explain that a bit more?" or "what do you mean exactly?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please be explicit" functions as an imperative, directly requesting someone to provide clear, detailed, and unambiguous information. It is used to solicit a more thorough explanation, as evidenced by Ludwig AI indicating its usability in written English when clarification is needed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "please be explicit" serves as a direct and polite way to request detailed clarification. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and suitable for written English when a more thorough explanation is needed. While it leans towards a neutral or professional register, it's versatile enough for various contexts, though overuse in informal settings might sound overly formal. Related phrases like "please elaborate" or "please be more specific" can offer softer alternatives. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain an appropriate tone, while still ensuring clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

please be more specific

This phrase directly asks for a narrowing of focus to particular aspects.

please elaborate

This alternative is a more concise and direct request for further explanation.

please be clear

This is a slightly broader request, asking for lucidity in general, rather than just detail.

please clarify

This focuses specifically on resolving ambiguity or confusion in a previous statement.

please explain in detail

This alternative adds emphasis on the level of detail required in the explanation.

please provide details

This alternative emphasizes the need for specific information.

please give a thorough explanation

This version requests a comprehensive and complete account.

i need more information

Shifts the focus to the speaker's need for additional information rather than directly instructing the other person.

can you spell that out for me?

A more informal way of asking for a detailed explanation, often used when someone is struggling to understand.

please leave no room for doubt

Emphasizes the need to be absolutely unambiguous and clear.

FAQs

How to use "please be explicit" in a sentence?

You can use "please be explicit" when you want someone to provide a detailed and unambiguous explanation. For example, "I understand the general idea, but please be explicit about the specific steps involved."

What can I say instead of "please be explicit"?

You can use alternatives like "please be more specific", "please elaborate", or "please clarify" depending on the context.

Is "please be explicit" formal or informal?

The phrase "please be explicit" leans towards the formal side, suitable for professional or academic settings where clarity and precision are important. In casual conversations, it might sound a bit too direct.

When is it appropriate to use "please be explicit"?

It's appropriate to use "please be explicit" when you need someone to provide a clear and detailed explanation, especially in situations where ambiguity could lead to misunderstandings or errors.