quite specific

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite specific" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the level of detail or precision in a certain task, description, or process. For example, you could say, "The instructions for assembling the furniture were quite specific."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's quite specific".

The New York Times - Arts

It can be quite specific.

Independent

The projections were quite specific.

The New York Times

But not quite specific enough.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Constitution was quite specific.

The New York Times

Some recommendations get quite specific.

Harvard Business Review

"Alejandro is quite specific as a filmmaker.

The New York Times

Some of the jurisdictions' individual statistics were quite specific.

The New York Times - Sports

But Craft's question was quite specific and to the point.

The Guardian - Books

The spur for all this watery tramping is quite specific.

The Guardian - Books

I'm quite specific about what I'll have on it.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite specific" when you want to emphasize that details are not just present, but are also important and precise for the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "quite specific" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very clear" or "really detailed" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite specific" functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the adjective 'specific'. Ludwig AI shows many examples where it highlights the precision or detail of a particular item or instruction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite specific" is a versatile adjectival modifier used to emphasize a notable degree of detail or precision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts such as news reports, scientific research, and formal business communications. While suitable for professional and academic settings, it's advisable to consider simpler alternatives in casual conversations to maintain an appropriate tone. When aiming for clarity and thoroughness, "quite specific" effectively conveys that the details are not only present but also important and precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly precise

Focuses on accuracy and exactness rather than just particularity.

very detailed

Emphasizes a high level of detail, shifting focus from specificity to thoroughness.

remarkably exact

Highlights the accuracy and faultlessness of something.

extremely explicit

Emphasizes directness and lack of implication or ambiguity.

particularly defined

Stresses clarity and distinctness in the definition.

clearly delineated

Focuses on the sharp and distinct boundaries or outlines.

unusually meticulous

Suggests an exceptional attention to detail, almost to a fault.

finely tuned

Suggests precision and optimization, often in a technical context.

absolutely clear

Emphasizes lack of ambiguity, focusing on understanding.

thoroughly elaborated

Highlights the extent to which something has been developed or explained.

FAQs

How can I use "quite specific" in a sentence?

You can use "quite specific" to emphasize that something is detailed and precise, as in, "The instructions were "quite specific", leaving no room for error".

What are some alternatives to "quite specific"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "very detailed", "highly precise", or "remarkably exact".

Is it better to say "quite specific" or "very specific"?

Both "quite specific" and "very specific" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and tone. "Quite" can sometimes imply a slightly higher degree of precision.

Can "quite specific" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "quite specific" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when emphasizing the importance of detail and precision. Ludwig AI demonstrates this across various news and media examples.