specifies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specifies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something clearly defines or states a particular detail or requirement. Example: "The document specifies the deadlines for each phase of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Hollywood film U-571 (2000), in which the Royal Navy's capture of an Enigma machine during the second world war is falsely attributed to an American crew (including chief engineer Jon Bon Jovi), was denounced in parliament by prime minister Tony Blair.

The Guardian - Film

U Myint Aye, aged 61, from Yangon, has a long track record of peaceful political activism.

The Guardian

Referring back to her iconic look in the Nothing Compares 2 U video – a huge international hit written by Prince – O'Connor admitted that she was asked by her label to reconsider her image for the 1990s video.

The Guardian - Music

In Britain, the US and France the top 1% have over the past 100 years seen their fortunes rise and fall and rise again in a U-shaped arc.

The Guardian - Business

Of these, Brundage sa id 85% – almost 600,000 – are unemployed even though many of them are employable.

The Guardian - Business

"This time it was União da Madeira, his eighth promotion, from the second division to the first tier (or seventh if we exclude last year as he was sacked before the end of the season): P. Ferreira 90-91, Académica 96-97, U. Leiria 97-98, Belenenses 98-99, Leixões 06-07, Arouca 12-13, Moreirense 13-14 and U. Madeira 14-15.

The Guardian - Sport

The U-6 number is around 13%, Yellen says.

The Guardian - Business

But on Thursday at an EU summit in Brussels, Luxembourg performed a U-turn and promised to hand over all the tax rulings to the commission after Vestager announced she was extending her inquiry to all 28 EU countries.

The Guardian

Indeed the pressure became so intense over the past 72 hours that the government was forced into an embarrassing U-turn over plans to cut allowances for younger disabled people in the republic.

The Guardian

"I guess it hurts 2 have the producers tell u to ur face that nicki is the best judge we've had since simon [cowell]," the rapper further tweeted.

The Guardian - Music

Amnesty is calling for the immediate release of Burmese human rights activist U Myint Aye, who is serving a life sentence for his alleged involvement in planning a bomb attack in the Shwepyitha Township in Yangon on 1 July 2008.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specifies" to clearly and unambiguously define particular requirements, conditions, or details within a formal document or instruction.

Common error

Avoid using "specifies" in casual conversations or informal writing; opt for simpler words like "says" or "shows" for better readability.

Linguistic Context

Specifies functions as a verb that denotes a clear and explicit statement of requirements, conditions, or details. It serves to remove ambiguity and ensure precise understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specifies" is a verb used to clearly and explicitly state requirements or details. Due to the absence of examples in Ludwig, it's difficult to fully assess its usage across various contexts. The phrase is grammatically correct, and while its register and usage patterns remain undefined in the absence of examples, Ludwig AI suggests that the verb it is best employed in formal settings where clarity and precision are paramount. Related alternatives include "defines", "indicates", and "details", each offering slightly different nuances. When writing, use "specifies" to ensure unambiguous communication and avoid overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Defines

Direct synonym, emphasizing the act of setting out the meaning of something.

Indicates

Implies a pointing out or showing, less forceful than "specifies".

Details

Focuses on providing comprehensive information about something.

Sets out

Emphasizes the arrangement or presentation of information.

Stipulates

Highlights a condition or requirement that must be met.

Designates

Focuses on assigning a particular role or purpose.

Prescribes

Emphasizes a rule or recommendation that should be followed.

Enumerates

Implies listing items or details in a specific order.

Dictates

Implies a commanding or authoritative instruction.

Lays down

Focuses on establishing rules or principles.

FAQs

How to use "specifies" in a sentence?

The word "specifies" is used to clearly define or state a particular detail or requirement. For example: "The contract "defines" the payment terms".

What can I say instead of "specifies"?

You can use alternatives such as "defines", "indicates", or "details" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "specifies" or "specified"?

"Specifies" is the present tense, third-person singular form of the verb. "Specified" is the past tense or past participle. Use the form that matches the tense of your sentence.

What's the difference between "specifies" and "suggests"?

"Specifies" denotes a clear, explicit statement, while "suggests" implies a hint or a less direct indication. Choose "specifies" when something is clearly defined and "suggests" when it's merely implied.