specify a deadline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specify a deadline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to clearly state a time limit for a task or project. Example: "Please specify a deadline for the completion of the report so we can plan accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The order, published last week in the Federal Register, does not specify a deadline to accomplish the president's goal.

The Washington Post

But the law doesn't specify a deadline for that election, which means that the state could just wait until the next regularly scheduled elections, in November 2018.

The New York Times

The decision letter will specify a deadline, and revisions that are returned within this period will retain their original submission date.

Nature

Petitioners contend that the Park District, like the Board of Censors in Freedman, must initiate litigation every time it denies a permit and that the ordinance must specify a deadline for judicial review of a challenge to a permit denial.

Cornell University

Iraq's government "should press forward with a program to transfer the supply and distribution to the private sector". The document was less detailed than the original CPA proposal and did not specify a deadline by which the change should occur, but it acknowledged that the effort would be "politically sensitive" among Iraqis.

The Washington Post

T – Time-bound – Did you specify a deadline?

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Unlike in the previous programs, the I.R.S. this time is not specifying a deadline for disclosing assets.

The New York Times

This policy applies to paper and electronic submissions of new, competing renewal, continuation and re-submission proposals regardless of sponsor, if the sponsor specifies a deadline.

University of California, Berkeley

Pandora did not specify a new deadline in its statement, and a spokesman for the company did not respond to a question about it.

The New York Times

We suggest that the House and Senate adopt new "Rules for Limited War" that would create a presumption that any authorization of military force will expire after two years, unless Congress specifies a different deadline.

Yale University

When appealing to change the deadline, faculty members must specify a new date for completion of the work which must be before the end of the current semester.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specify a deadline", ensure that the context provides clear details about what needs to be completed by the stated time. Be as precise as possible.

Common error

Avoid vague language when you "specify a deadline". Ensure that it is accompanied by clear expectations regarding the task's scope and desired outcomes. Otherwise, team members will not be able to focus correctly or meet the deadline effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specify a deadline" functions primarily as a directive, urging the clear establishment of a time limit. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and usable nature in English. Examples show its usage in various contexts, from formal agreements to project management.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

23%

News & Media

23%

Science

35%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "specify a deadline" is a grammatically sound and practically useful expression for clearly stating a time limit for a task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s perfectly acceptable in written English. While it is less common than similar phrases like "set a deadline", "specify a deadline" finds its place in academic, scientific, news, and business contexts. To use this phrase effectively, ensure it is accompanied by explicit expectations regarding scope and outcomes. By doing so, you enhance team focus, prevent misunderstandings, and drive projects towards timely completion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set a deadline

Replaces "specify" with "set", focusing on the action of establishing a deadline.

define a deadline

Substitutes "specify" with "define", emphasizing the clarification of a deadline.

establish a deadline

Replaces "specify" with "establish", highlighting the creation of a deadline.

stipulate a deadline

Uses "stipulate" instead of "specify", suggesting a more formal or contractual agreement.

designate a deadline

Employs "designate" in place of "specify", focusing on the assignment of a deadline.

fix a deadline

Replaces "specify" with "fix", indicating a firm and unchangeable deadline.

indicate a deadline

Substitutes "specify" with "indicate", implying a less forceful establishment of a deadline.

determine a deadline

Uses "determine" instead of "specify", highlighting the process of deciding on a deadline.

assign a deadline

Employs "assign" in place of "specify", focusing on giving the deadline to someone or something.

cite a deadline

Replaces "specify" with "cite", suggesting referencing a pre-existing deadline.

FAQs

How can I use "specify a deadline" in a sentence?

You can use "specify a deadline" when you want to clearly state a time limit for completing a task. For example, "Please specify a deadline for the completion of the report so we can plan accordingly."

What are some alternatives to "specify a deadline"?

Alternatives to "specify a deadline" include "set a deadline", "define a deadline", or "establish a deadline".

Is it better to "specify a deadline" or "set a deadline"?

Both "specify a deadline" and "set a deadline" are acceptable. The choice depends on the context and desired tone. "Specify" may sound slightly more formal.

What does it mean to "specify a deadline"?

To "specify a deadline" means to clearly and explicitly state the time or date by which a particular task or project must be completed. It leaves no room for ambiguity.