specifically saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specifically saying" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that you are speaking in a specific way. For example: "I am specifically saying that I disagree with your proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Van Gundy would not address Starks specifically, saying: "He's not our player.

The New York Times - Sports

Cashman declined to discuss Wells specifically, saying only that he had not talked to Wells's agent, Gregg Clifton, yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead of specifically saying that he represents the press as well, he says, "I'm here serving the American people, too".

The New Yorker

The foreign secretary then identified Saudi Arabia and Iran specifically, saying: "That's why you've got the Saudis, Iran, everybody, moving in, and puppeteering and playing proxy wars".

The Guardian

Next thing a nurse was telling her to stop, specifically saying that it was too "sexual" and undignified and that she should sit in a private room.

The Guardian - Opinion

Photograph: Jason Reed/Reuters 5.22pm GMT President Obama then turns his attention to Congress specifically, saying: The most important changes we can make, depend on congressional action.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

We specifically said first *US* company".

The New York Times

I specifically said, no children".

The New Yorker

The commercials do not specifically say whom to vote for.

The New York Times

Labour specifically says it must be time-limited.

The Guardian

He did not specifically say that he would".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting speech or quoting someone, "specifically saying" can introduce the exact words or the core message the person intended to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "specifically saying" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "explicitly stating" or "clearly indicating" to add variety and maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specifically saying" functions as a discourse marker or reporting clause, introducing a particular statement or emphasizing a specific aspect of someone's words. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "specifically saying" is a grammatically sound and commonly used construction to emphasize a particular point or introduce a direct quote. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the analysis indicates its prevalence across various contexts, most notably in News & Media. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "explicitly stating" or "clearly indicating" to maintain writing quality. Understanding its purpose and appropriate use ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explicitly stating

Replaces "saying" with "stating", emphasizing a formal declaration.

expressly mentioning

Substitutes "saying" with "mentioning", focusing on the act of bringing something up.

precisely articulating

Replaces "specifically" with "precisely" and "saying" with "articulating", highlighting clarity and detail in the expression.

clearly indicating

Uses "indicating" instead of "saying", shifting the focus to conveying information.

unequivocally asserting

Replaces "specifically" with "unequivocally" and "saying" with "asserting", strengthening the level of certainty and confidence.

directly communicating

Emphasizes the directness of the communication, rather than the specificity of the statement.

pointing out distinctly

Highlights the act of bringing something to attention in a clear and noticeable manner.

making a pointed remark

Focuses on the intent behind the statement, suggesting a deliberate and purposeful communication.

stating with precision

Combines the act of stating with a focus on accuracy and detail.

detailing in particular

Emphasizes the act of providing detailed information on a specific aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "specifically saying" to introduce a direct quote or emphasize a particular point. For example, "The witness testified, "specifically saying", 'I saw the defendant at the scene of the crime.'"

What's a more formal alternative to "specifically saying"?

A more formal alternative to "specifically saying" is "explicitly stating". This option conveys a similar meaning but is suitable for professional contexts.

Is it redundant to use "specifically" and "explicitly" together with "saying"?

Using both "specifically" and "explicitly" with "saying" can be redundant. Choose one based on the desired emphasis. "Specifically" highlights a detail, while "explicitly" emphasizes clarity. You can also rephrase the sentence entirely to improve the flow and reduce unnecessary repetition.

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

"Specifically saying" denotes focusing on a particular detail or statement, while "generally saying" indicates making a broad or non-detailed statement. The former is precise; the latter is broad.