specifically the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'specifically the' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that was mentioned previously in a sentence in a more precise way. For example: "I was looking for books in the library, specifically the history books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Specifically, the front seven.

The New York Times

Specifically, the World Darts Championships.

The New York Times - Sports

Specifically, the information business.

The New York Times

Specifically, the present.

The New York Times

Specifically the rain.

The Guardian - Music

Specifically, the Syrian revolution.

The Guardian - Books

Specifically, the part marked "Rockefeller Center".

The New York Times

Specifically, the exclusion of China is costly.

The Economist

(Specifically, the change in the S.&P.

The New York Times

Specifically, the politics of managerial self-preservation.

The New York Times

And more specifically, the two inside linebackers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specifically the" to clearly narrow down a broad topic to a more focused subject within your sentence, improving clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "specifically the" when the context already makes the specification clear. Redundant use can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specifically the" functions as a specifier or modifier, introducing a more precise detail or particular instance of a previously mentioned topic. This refines the scope and provides a focused clarification. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specifically the" serves as a valuable tool for precise communication, allowing writers and speakers to narrow down broad topics and provide clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Science, indicating its versatility across various contexts. While very common, avoid overuse to maintain impact. Use the alternative formulations to add variety to your text and improve your content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in particular the

Replaces "specifically" with "in particular" for a similar emphasis on a subset.

more precisely the

Emphasizes increased precision rather than direct specification.

namely the

Introduces a specific element or example using "namely".

that is to say the

Offers clarification or restatement using an alternative expression.

to be specific the

Explicitly indicates that a specification is about to follow.

for example the

Introduces a specific instance as an example.

particularly the

Highlights a certain aspect as especially noteworthy.

especially the

Similar to 'particularly', but with a stronger emphasis.

in detail the

Indicates a more detailed explanation about the topic.

to put it simply the

Introduces a simplification of a concept that was previously presented.

FAQs

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

Use "specifically the" to introduce a more detailed or precise aspect of a previously mentioned topic. For example, "I enjoy fruits, "specifically the" mangoes from the local market".

What are some alternatives to "specifically the"?

Alternatives include "namely the", "in particular the", or "more precisely the" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "the" after "specifically"?

While "specifically the" is a common construction, you can sometimes omit "the" if you're referring to a general category or concept rather than a particular instance. For example, "specifically books" versus "specifically the first edition".

What's the difference between "specifically the" and "especially the"?

"Specifically the" narrows down to a precise item or aspect, while "especially the" highlights something as particularly noteworthy or prominent. Choose the phrase that best reflects your intended emphasis.