specifically it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specifically it was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or emphasize a particular detail or instance in a discussion or explanation. Example: "There were many factors involved in the decision, but specifically it was the budget constraints that influenced our choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Specifically, it was rotating.

The Guardian

More specifically, it was what Europe wanted".

Independent

More specifically, it was Heather who hesitated.

The New York Times - Magazine

More specifically, it was old Brit night.

The Guardian - Music

Specifically, it was the fall of 1982.

The New Yorker

Specifically, it was uncharacteristically busy with children.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

More specifically it was known as Trouser Town.

The Guardian

More specifically, it was a very important late summer.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Specifically, it is downsizing its software development center in Bangalore, India.

TechCrunch

Specifically, it's incomprehensible.

The Economist

Specifically, it is a dog.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specifically it was" to introduce a clarifying detail or to narrow down a broad statement, enhancing precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "specifically it was". This can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternative introductory phrases such as "in particular" or "more precisely."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specifically it was" functions as an adverbial phrase used to introduce a clarification or a specific instance related to a preceding statement. This is supported by Ludwig, which validates its correct usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specifically it was" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to introduce clarifying or focusing details. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to provide precision, and it appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. While highly useful, it is essential to avoid overuse and maintain varied sentence structures. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "in particular it was" or "more precisely it happened".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more precisely it happened

Changes the adverb "specifically" to "more precisely" and replaces "was" with "happened" altering the verb and overall sentence structure.

in particular it occurred

Replaces "specifically" with "in particular" and substitutes "was" with "occurred", shifting the focus slightly from a state of being to an event.

namely that is when

Uses "namely" to introduce the specific detail and "that is when" to pinpoint the timing, differing from the original's more general specification.

to be exact that's when

Introduces a more direct and informal tone using "to be exact" and "that's when", replacing the original phrase's structure entirely.

more specifically that involved

Replaces "it was" with "that involved", focusing on the involvement of something specific rather than its general state.

particularly it pertained to

Substitutes "specifically" with "particularly" and alters "was" to "pertained to", indicating a specific relevance or connection.

in detail it concerned

Uses "in detail" to highlight a thorough explanation and replaces "was" with "concerned", emphasizing the subject of the detail.

explicitly it featured

Replaces "specifically" with "explicitly", stressing clarity, and substitutes "was" with "featured", changing the focus to a prominent aspect.

if I'm being precise it resulted in

Adds a personal perspective with "if I'm being precise" and changes the verb to "resulted in", highlighting a specific outcome.

to specify it entailed

Uses "to specify" to introduce a clarification and replaces "was" with "entailed", focusing on what the specific detail involved.

FAQs

How can I use "specifically it was" in a sentence?

Use "specifically it was" to introduce a detail that provides more focused information about a previous statement. For example, "The project faced several challenges; specifically, it was the budget constraints that caused the most delays."

What are some alternatives to "specifically it was"?

You can use alternatives like "in particular it was", "more specifically it was", or "namely it was" to achieve a similar clarifying effect.

Is it grammatically correct to say "specifically it was"?

Yes, the phrase "specifically it was" is grammatically correct and commonly used to introduce clarifying information. However, ensure that the context warrants such specific emphasis.

When should I use "specifically it was" versus "more specifically it was"?

Use "specifically it was" when you want to highlight a key detail. Use "more specifically it was" when you want to provide an even narrower or more precise clarification following a general statement.