specifically because

USAGE SUMMARY

"specifically because" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize why something else happened or why you took a particular action. For example, "I went to the store specifically because I wanted to buy some apples."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're not all fired up specifically because of Belgrade Waterfront.

The Guardian

More specifically, because he is a black quarterback.

The New York Times - Sports

Dozens of fighters were there specifically because of Ahmed.

The New York Times - Magazine

What harm had it suffered, specifically, because of Trump's actions?

The Washington Post

He didn't do it specifically because he was a bad kid.

The Guardian - Film

Some employees will choose to join a company specifically because they consider it promotes social good.

The Guardian

"My interest in mental illness isn't specifically because of my family.

The Guardian

"We're seeing this specifically because of the regimes they work under".

The Guardian - Tech

A few were overwhelmed, and fled specifically because of the attention.

The New Yorker

Yet it is a price people have been willing to pay, specifically because it is expensive.

The Guardian - Tech

Obama said he could not comment specifically because Snowden was "under indictment", something not previously disclosed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specifically because" to clearly highlight the primary reason behind an action or decision. This clarifies intent and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "specifically because" in situations where a simpler "because" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specifically because" functions as an adverbial clause introducer, providing a precise explanation for a preceding statement. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it serves to highlight a particular cause or reason.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specifically because" is a useful phrase for providing a distinct rationale or intent behind a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in writing. While it leans toward a neutral to formal tone, it's important to avoid overuse, particularly in casual settings where a simple "because" would suffice. Alternatives like "particularly since", "especially as", and "primarily due to" can offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. By understanding its function and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "specifically because" to enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particularly since

Emphasizes the reason as a noteworthy factor, similar to "specifically because" but with a slightly different nuance.

especially as

Highlights the reason as being particularly relevant or important.

primarily due to

Indicates that the stated reason is the main cause.

mainly as a result of

Similar to "primarily due to", emphasizing the consequence.

precisely for the reason that

More formal and emphatic way of stating the specific reason.

owing to the fact that

A formal alternative, indicating causation.

on account of

Indicates a reason or explanation, often used in formal contexts.

by virtue of

Suggests that something is a direct consequence of the reason.

for the express purpose of

Emphasizes the intentionality behind the action or decision.

given that

States a condition or reason that is already known or assumed.

FAQs

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

Use "specifically because" to clearly state the precise reason or motive for a particular action or situation. For example, "I chose this restaurant "specifically because" of its vegetarian options".

What are some alternatives to "specifically because"?

You can use alternatives such as "particularly since", "especially as", or "primarily due to" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "specifically because"?

While grammatically correct, "specifically because" can sound overly formal in casual contexts. In such cases, a simple "because" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "specifically because" from a regular "because"?

"Specifically because" emphasizes a particular reason or motive, highlighting it as the key factor. A simple "because" offers a general explanation without the same level of emphasis.