specified by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'specified by' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is explicitly stated, chosen, or defined. For example: Under the terms of the contract, the specific services to be provided must be specified by the customer.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Values are specified by '<type>/<value>' strings.

The Guardian

In the jewelry industry, gold content is specified by karat.

Britannica

Who cares if it's not specified by the state standards?

The Washington Post

An RSS feed specified by the project or the user.

University of California, Berkeley

(iii) Comply with any other requirements specified by CMS.

Cornell University

Meet timelines specified by labor contracts, if applicable.

University of California, Berkeley

Accesses the array element specified by the subscripts.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Make changes as specified by the Special Committee.

Cornell University

(5) Comply with any other notice requirements specified by CMS.

Cornell University

(3) Meet other requirements for satisfactory reporting specified by CMS.

Cornell University

HTTP version 1.0 is specified by RFC 1945.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specified by", ensure that the entity doing the specifying is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The requirements are specified by the client." is clearer than "The requirements are specified."

Common error

Avoid using "specified by" without clearly indicating who or what is doing the specifying. Omitting this information can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specified by" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun. It indicates the source or method by which something is defined, determined, or characterized. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

Academia

27%

News & Media

17%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specified by" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote the source or method by which something is defined or determined. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, notably science, academia, and news media. When using "specified by", ensure clarity by explicitly stating the specifying entity. Alternative phrases such as "defined by", "determined by", and "stipulated by" can be used depending on the context. The frequency of "specified by" indicates it's very common, reflecting its essential role in adding precision to both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defined by

Highlights the act of providing a clear and concise explanation or description of something.

determined by

Emphasizes the process of finding something out, typically as the result of research or calculation.

stipulated by

Implies a formal or legal agreement that clearly defines certain conditions or requirements.

prescribed by

Suggests a set of rules or a plan that must be followed exactly, often by an authority.

dictated by

Indicates that something is being controlled or determined entirely by an outside force or authority.

indicated by

Points out a sign or symptom that reveals information about something else.

regulated by

Focuses on the existence of rules and guidelines that control how something is done.

set by

Refers to establishing limits, rules, or values for something to adhere to.

according to

Relates information as being based on someone's statement or a specific document.

as per

Short for "as per instructions", this indicates something is being done following specific directions.

FAQs

How do I use "specified by" in a sentence?

Use "specified by" to indicate that something is determined or defined by a particular source, standard, or authority. For example, "The dimensions of the room are "specified by" the building code."

What can I say instead of "specified by"?

You can use alternatives such as "defined by", "determined by", or "stipulated by" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "specified by" or "specify by"?

"Specified by" is the correct form. "Specify by" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts; "specified" is the past participle form of the verb "specify" and is required in this passive construction.

What's the difference between "specified by" and "as specified in"?

"Specified by" indicates the source or authority that defines something, whereas "as specified in" refers to a document or location where the specification is detailed. For instance, "The procedure is "specified by" the manufacturer, as "specified by" the manual".