specifically about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specifically about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to clarify or emphasize the particular subject or topic being discussed. Example: "This report is specifically about the impact of climate change on coastal cities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

PrevIously – Lifetime'm Assassinatalking Malcolm X.

Vice

Q. Specifically about business?

The New York Times

Specifically, about the tailoring.

The New York Times

"There's nothing specifically about winning.

The New York Times - Sports

"Something more specifically about this neighborhood".

The New Yorker

A. Let's talk specifically about terrorism.

The New York Times - Science

They were not asked specifically about dinner.

The New York Times - Health

You ask me specifically about this particular swimming.

The Guardian - Sport

This article is specifically about the cosmetics industry.

The Guardian

Parcells has declined to talk specifically about Johnson's contract.

The New York Times - Sports

We covered several topics but I asked specifically about 2021.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specifically about" to clearly narrow the scope of your discussion. This ensures your audience understands the precise topic you are addressing, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

While "specifically about" is versatile, avoid overusing it in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "about" or "regarding" can sound more natural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specifically about" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb. It clarifies the focus or subject matter being discussed. Ludwig examples show its use in narrowing down topics, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

22%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "specifically about" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to narrow the focus of a discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable across different registers, though it's most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While extremely useful, it's important to consider the audience and context to avoid overuse in informal settings. Knowing the appropriate alternatives, such as "particularly concerning" or "in reference to", can enhance your writing's precision and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particularly concerning

Emphasizes worry or relevance rather than a simple focus.

in reference to

More formal and often used to indicate a direct connection to a subject.

with regard to

A more formal and distanced way of indicating the topic.

regarding the specifics of

Highlights detailed elements of something.

concentrating on

Focuses on the act of concentrating attention.

focusing particularly on

Emphasizes a narrow focus.

directly related to

Indicates a causal or pertinent relationship.

centering around

Indicates that something revolves around a central topic.

strictly speaking about

Highlights accuracy and precision in the topic.

precisely with respect to

A more formal and precise way of indicating a limited scope.

FAQs

How can I use "specifically about" in a sentence?

You can use "specifically about" to narrow the focus of a discussion. For example, "This report is "specifically about" the impact of social media on teenagers."

What are some alternatives to "specifically about"?

Alternatives include "particularly concerning", "in reference to", or "with regard to", depending on the formality and context.

When is it appropriate to use "specifically about"?

It's appropriate when you need to emphasize the precise subject matter. This helps to avoid confusion and keeps the discussion focused, especially in formal writing or technical discussions.

What's the difference between "specifically about" and "generally about"?

"Specifically about" indicates a narrow, precise focus, while "generally about" suggests a broader, less defined topic. For example, "The book is "specifically about" climate change" versus "The book is generally about environmental issues".