specified that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specified that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone has made a clear statement or requirement about something. Example: "The contract specified that all payments must be made by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No proposals were specified that would generate that path.

The New York Times

More than 90percentt of earmarks are specified that way, not actually included in the texts.

The New York Times

In a "currency index" in the release, Apple specified that $100 inQ4'144 non-U.S.

TechCrunch

Alva specified that no services be held.

The New York Times

It specified that prussic acid might be used.

The New York Times

Regulations specified that everything be shredded and buried.

The New Yorker

The match rules specified that small differences were not considered significant because of statistical variation.

The New York Times

The bill specified that guns were to be used only in the cockpit.

The New York Times

He specified that the action was not directed at Chief Lussen.

The New York Times

It specified that Iran should develop enough nuclear fuel to generate 20,000 megawatts of electricity.

The New York Times

When she saw a shepherding job advertised that specified that no sheepdog was needed, she applied.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specified that", ensure the subject clearly states a requirement, instruction, or explicit detail to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Ensure that the subject of the sentence is clearly defined. A common mistake is to use "specified that" with an ambiguous subject, making it unclear who is making the specification.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "specified that" is to introduce a subordinate clause that elaborates on a previous statement by providing explicit details or conditions. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "specified that" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce precise details or conditions following a statement. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's primarily found in "News & Media", signaling a neutral register. Ludwig examples show that it plays a crucial role in conveying explicit information, whether outlining requirements or clarifying previously established terms. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "stated that", "indicated that", or "stipulated that", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stated that

Replaces "specified" with a more general term for making a statement.

indicated that

Suggests a less direct or explicit form of communication than "specified".

stipulated that

Implies a formal agreement or condition being laid down.

detailed that

Highlights the provision of comprehensive information.

laid down that

Suggests establishing a rule or principle authoritatively.

prescribed that

Focuses on a mandatory or recommended course of action.

designated that

Emphasizes the act of formally choosing or assigning something.

dictated that

Implies an order or command that must be obeyed.

determined that

Focuses on the conclusion or decision reached after consideration.

provided that

Introduces a condition or requirement that must be met.

FAQs

What does "specified that" mean?

The phrase "specified that" means to state something explicitly or in detail, often as a requirement or condition.

How can I use "specified that" in a sentence?

You can use "specified that" to indicate that someone or something has made a clear statement or requirement. For example: "The contract "specified that" all payments must be made by the end of the month."

What can I say instead of "specified that"?

Alternatives to "specified that" include "stated that", "indicated that", or "stipulated that", depending on the context.

Is "specified that" formal or informal?

"Specified that" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, commonly found in news articles, legal documents, and professional communication.