specifically specify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specifically specify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the need for clear and precise details about something. Example: "Please specifically specify the requirements for the project so that we can proceed without any confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the present paper, we specifically specify "translational acceleration" and "translational velocity" to clearly distinguish these from "rotational velocity".

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Unless specifically specified, these cell lines were grown in the Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) (Cellgro) or RPMI 1640 medium (Sigma) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS, Invitrogen).

Plosone

The first category included the most actively transcribed genes for pituitary hormones (growth hormone (GH), glycoprotein hormones alpha (CGA), prolactin (PRL), Lutropin subunit beta (LHB), and follicle stimulating hormone beta (FSHB), which were expressed specifically and specify the pituitary gland.

DNA Research

The DA approach exploits training sequences which are either designed specifically or specified by some standards.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Specifically, we specified a Bayesian model that accounted for structured and unstructured spatial variability, according to the Besag, York, and Mollie's (BYM) proposal (Besag et al. 1991).

Environmental Health Perspectives

During the debate, Howe was specifically pressed to specify whether Technical Capability Notices would allow for the government to require companies not to use end-to-end encryption on future services in order to afford state agents access to decrypted communications data if/when served a warrant.

TechCrunch

Specifically, it should specify the framework for an orientation common to all members of the organization and guide them in making decisions for the benefit of the organization, in motivating themselves and others to put corporate goals into practice, and in furthering identification with the organization (corporate identity) as well as constructive communication [ 3].

BMC Medical Education

Apple and HTC had agreed to provide a version of the licence agreement to the court - but with 33 key words redacted, specifically the ones that specify the licence fees that HTC is paying Apple under the agreement.

The Guardian - Tech

This result suggested that genetic variants of the CD36 gene play a role at various stages of disease progression but are not specifically involved in specifying the clinical outcome of the severe malaria.

Plosone

Specifically, Section 722 specifies requirements for CMS and Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations that must be undertaken to pursue quality health care for Medicare beneficiaries.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Specifically, the investigator specifies desirable and undesirable values for RR and TTP only, so that both potential manifestations of drug activity can be observed as signals of activity.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically correct, consider whether using just "specify" provides sufficient clarity. Redundancy can sometimes weaken your writing. For example, use "specify the requirements" instead of "specifically specify the requirements".

Common error

Avoid using "specifically specify" in situations where "specify" alone is sufficient. Overusing redundant phrases can make your writing seem verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specifically specify" functions as a verb phrase that emphasizes the act of providing detailed and precise instructions or requirements. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, but often redundant, suggesting that "specify" alone may suffice.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "specifically specify" is grammatically correct, it's often considered redundant because the word "specifically" adds little to the meaning of "specify". Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. Alternatives such as "clearly define" or "precisely detail" can offer more concise and impactful options. When writing, it's best to evaluate whether "specifically" genuinely enhances the message or simply adds unnecessary length. The phrase appears infrequently, spanning across science, news, and business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specify in detail

Reorders the terms to place emphasis on detail, slightly altering the rhythm of the phrase.

clearly define

Focuses on the clarity of the definition rather than the act of specifying.

clearly stipulate

Highlights the clarity and preciseness of the stipulation.

precisely detail

Emphasizes accuracy and providing detailed information.

explicitly state

Highlights the clarity and directness of the statement.

definitively outline

Focuses on creating a clear and unambiguous outline.

particularly stipulate

Emphasizes making a specific demand or condition.

exactly designate

Highlights the precision in pointing something out.

expressly indicate

Focuses on direct and unambiguous indication.

unambiguously set out

Stresses the lack of ambiguity in the presentation.

FAQs

Is "specifically specify" grammatically correct?

Yes, "specifically specify" is grammatically correct, but it can be considered redundant. Using just "specify" often conveys the same meaning more concisely.

What does it mean to "specifically specify" something?

To "specifically specify" something means to state or define it in a clear and precise manner, leaving no room for ambiguity. However, the word "specifically" is redundant and can be removed.

Are there alternatives to "specifically specify"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "clearly define", "precisely detail", or "explicitly state" to convey a similar meaning without the redundancy.

When is it appropriate to use "specifically specify"?

While grammatically sound, using just "specify" is generally preferred. Reserve the phrase "specifically specify" for situations where you intentionally want to add extra emphasis, but be mindful of potential redundancy.