specifically acknowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specifically acknowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the act of recognizing or admitting something in a precise manner. Example: "In her speech, she specifically acknowledged the contributions of her team members to the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

I do not at any point turn and specifically acknowledge them on the page (or the screen).

The New Yorker

Except for a brief preface expressing a general debt to "books and articles by and on Modjeska," Ms. Sontag did not specifically acknowledge her sources.

The New York Times

In discussing the changes to basic training, Army officers do not specifically acknowledge how deeply the military was stung by some high-profile combat failings, including the attack on an Army support convoy near Nasiriya, Iraq, early in the war.

The New York Times

Though neither the tenants nor Mr. Jones would specifically acknowledge the possibility of an out-of-court settlement, this, presumably, is the fair and amicable resolution that Brearley has in mind.

The New York Times

You specifically acknowledge and agree that MicroCreditCard and FORBES are not liable for Your conduct.

Forbes

Some studies specifically acknowledge active learning (Mason et al., 2013; McLaughlin et al., 2014), and one study also names blended learning (Strayer, 2012).

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The pope wanted to reach out to Austria's ailing church, specifically acknowledging the pain caused by the sex scandals.

The New York Times

If these loans are included (as they should be), "Trump's total debt balloons to nearly $1 billion, or about double what he specifically acknowledges he owes," Tully wrote.

The New Yorker

He spoke of Walsh the way one speaks of a new boss, never specifically acknowledging that Walsh had just taken his president's job.

The New York Times - Sports

Scudamore specifically acknowledged that the rules will not allow turbo-fuelling like that of Manchester City, where Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan has injected around £1bn since 2008 to elevate City from ninth in the Premier League to champions.

The Guardian - Sport

And in the Elian case, the Justice Department has specifically acknowledged -- both publicly and to the Miami family -- that the I.N.S. will sometimes consider a child's asylum claim against the wishes of the parent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specifically acknowledge", ensure that the specific aspect being acknowledged is clearly defined and relevant to the context. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity in communication.

Common error

Avoid using "specifically acknowledge" repetitively in close proximity within your writing. This can make your text sound redundant. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "explicitly recognize" or "clearly state" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specifically acknowledge" functions as a verb phrase, where "specifically" modifies the verb "acknowledge" to emphasize the precision and clarity of the recognition. As supported by Ludwig, this indicates a deliberate and focused action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specifically acknowledge" is a verb phrase used to emphasize a precise and clear recognition or admission. It is grammatically correct and most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. As Ludwig points out, the phrase is usable in a variety of sentences when emphasis and clarity are required. When using "specifically acknowledge", make sure that you are precise in identifying what you are acknowledging. Alternatives such as "explicitly recognize" or "clearly state" can be used to avoid repetition. While "specifically acknowledge" is a valid phrase, overuse should be avoided to maintain writing clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explicitly recognize

Focuses on making the recognition clear and unambiguous, highlighting a more direct and less implied acknowledgement.

clearly state

Emphasizes the clarity and directness of the statement, shifting focus from acknowledgement to the communication of information.

expressly affirm

Highlights the act of confirming something with certainty and without any doubt.

particularly emphasize

Shifts the focus to giving special importance to a specific point or aspect.

precisely identify

Emphasizes the exactness and accuracy in pinpointing or recognizing something.

unambiguously declare

Highlights the lack of ambiguity in making a statement or acknowledgement.

distinctly mention

Focuses on the act of mentioning something in a way that is easily noticeable and clear.

openly admit

Implies acknowledging something, often a fault or truth, in a transparent and public manner.

conspicuously highlight

Emphasizes drawing attention to something in a very obvious or noticeable way.

directly address

Focuses on dealing with something straightforwardly and without evasion.

FAQs

What does "specifically acknowledge" mean?

The phrase "specifically acknowledge" means to recognize or admit something in a clear and detailed manner, leaving no room for ambiguity. It emphasizes the precision of the acknowledgement.

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

You can use "specifically acknowledge" when you want to emphasize the act of recognizing something with precision. For example, "The company needs to "specifically acknowledge" the errors in its financial reports."

What are some alternatives to "specifically acknowledge"?

Alternatives include "explicitly recognize", "clearly state", or "precisely identify". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "specifically acknowledge" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "specifically acknowledge" when you want to highlight a particular detail or aspect that needs to be recognized. For instance, when addressing a complex issue, it’s important to "specifically acknowledge" the various contributing factors.