specified to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specified to" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered correct in many contexts.
It can be used when indicating a particular detail or condition that has been defined or outlined, but it is often better to use more standard phrases. Example: "The requirements specified to the project must be followed closely to ensure compliance."

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I nodded, glad I'd never specified to her which facility Roger Corbett's wife had chosen.

The New York Times - Magazine

In my house, it goes without saying, all rooms except those specified to us were forbidden.

The New Yorker

Our Spotify account is specified to be Spotify Free, registered with my husband's email address.

The Guardian - Money

Rather, they said, the leadership wants him to put his weight behind some amendments, not yet specified, to change it.

The New York Times

Multiple limits are specified to minimize structural and nonstructural damage.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Hold point 3 days Trees specified to beretained before demolition.

Visualization in Engineering

The vector potential is specified to maintain the solenoidal condition.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Velocity at inlet was specified to achieve the desired Re.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Simply talk to your optometrist and have your Gunnars specified to your vision specifications.

TechCrunch

USB 3.0 is specified to transfer at five gigabits per second, or 10 times faster than USB 2.0*.

TechCrunch

Predominantly, metrological elements have been specified to explain variability in ridership volume.

Journal of Transport Geography

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specified to", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being designated or defined for what purpose. Consider whether a more direct synonym, such as "designated for" or "defined for", might improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "specified to" in informal writing or situations where simpler language would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or technical when it doesn't need to be.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specified to" functions as a passive verb construction followed by a preposition, indicating that something has been explicitly designated or configured for a particular purpose or recipient. As Ludwig AI indicates, it conveys that details or requirements have been outlined.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "specified to" serves to indicate that something has been designated or defined for a particular purpose. While common, particularly in science and technical contexts, Ludwig AI suggests that it's wise to consider more direct synonyms like "designated for" or "defined for" in order to enhance clarity. Common usage patterns include science and news, indicating a formal writing register. When using "specified to", ensure the context is clear about what is being designated. Be mindful that simpler language may often be preferable in informal communication. While grammatically acceptable, being aware of its potential to sound overly formal contributes to stronger, more versatile communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designated for

This alternative focuses on the action of assigning something for a specific purpose.

defined for

This alternative emphasizes the act of clearly stating the purpose or characteristics for something.

assigned to

This alternative highlights the allocation of something to a specific entity or purpose.

allocated to

Similar to 'assigned to', this emphasizes the distribution of resources or responsibilities.

intended for

This alternative focuses on the planned or expected recipient or use of something.

tailored to

This alternative suggests that something has been customized to meet specific needs or requirements.

reserved for

This alternative indicates that something is being kept or set aside for a particular purpose or person.

customized for

Similar to 'tailored to', but emphasizes that adaptations have been made for a specific use.

set aside for

Emphasizes the act of separating something for a particular purpose or recipient.

earmarked for

Suggests that something has been specifically designated for a particular purpose, often financially.

FAQs

What does "specified to" mean?

"Specified to" means that something is designated or defined for a particular purpose, recipient, or condition. It implies that there are explicit details or requirements that have been outlined.

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

You can use "specified to" to indicate that certain parameters or conditions have been set for something. For instance, "The software was "customized for" specific user needs." Alternatively, you can use a different phrasing that works in some cases, like saying "The requirements "defined for" the project are very specific".

What are some alternatives to "specified to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "designated for", ""defined for"", or "assigned to" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it more appropriate to use "defined for" instead of "specified to"?

While both phrases are similar, ""defined for"" is often more appropriate when you want to emphasize the clarity and precision of the definition, whereas ""specified to"" may be used when detailing specific conditions or requirements that have been outlined.