specify exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specify exactly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to provide detailed and precise information about something. Example: "Please specify exactly what you need from me to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he did not specify exactly what.

The Economist

The officials declined to specify exactly what the accusations involved.

The New York Times

Did he specify exactly what should be accepted for safekeeping?

Yale University

Be sure to specify exactly which report you need.

Cornell University

The group did not specify exactly when the shipment would be made.

The New York Times

He declined to specify exactly what these objects were in their previous lives.

The New York Times - Arts

Google declined to specify exactly how it planned to use endorsements in ads.

The New York Times - Tech

They refused to specify exactly how many detainees were released, or where the releases took place.

The New York Times

Mr. Morimoto did not specify exactly what changes he would seek in the agreement.

The New York Times

Ineos did not specify exactly how many residents had been temporarily moved.

The Guardian - Business

"Republicans may say 'Well we'll avoid some of these cuts', since they don't specify exactly the cuts they would make.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting information, use "specify exactly" to encourage the provider to be thorough and avoid ambiguity. For example: "Please specify exactly which files you need."

Common error

Avoid redundancy by not adding unnecessary qualifiers after "specify exactly". For instance, instead of saying "specify exactly and precisely", just use "specify exactly" to keep your writing concise and clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specify exactly" functions as a directive, urging the recipient to provide information that is not just detailed, but also highly precise and unambiguous. It is used to elicit clarity and prevent misunderstandings in various contexts, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specify exactly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for requesting precise and detailed information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and wide applicability. Its frequency is high across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using the phrase, ensure you're promoting clarity and avoiding redundancy. Alternatives like "detail precisely" or "clarify specifically" can be used for variety. Remember, "specify exactly" helps ensure that information is communicated accurately and without ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detail precisely

This alternative uses synonyms to emphasize accuracy and thoroughness in providing information. The adverb 'precisely' heightens the sense of exactness.

clarify specifically

This phrase focuses on making something clearer and more focused. 'Specifically' narrows the scope of the clarification.

define explicitly

This alternative emphasizes setting clear boundaries and making information unmistakably clear and detailed.

indicate precisely

This phrase highlights pointing out something with accuracy and without vagueness. 'Precisely' adds to the exactness.

stipulate clearly

This alternative suggests setting out terms or conditions in a clear and unambiguous manner, often in a formal context.

pinpoint accurately

Focuses on identifying with great precision and correctness. 'Accurately' reinforces the idea of exact identification.

designate unequivocally

Emphasizes naming or identifying something in a way that leaves no room for doubt or misinterpretation.

spell out meticulously

Suggests explaining something in great detail, paying close attention to every aspect and nuance.

lay out comprehensively

Highlights presenting information in a thorough and complete manner, covering all relevant aspects.

delineate thoroughly

This alternative means to describe or portray something in detail and with completeness.

FAQs

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

Use "specify exactly" when you want someone to provide very detailed and precise information. For example, "Can you specify exactly what went wrong during the experiment?"

What can I say instead of "specify exactly"?

You can use alternatives like "detail precisely", "clarify specifically", or "define explicitly" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "specify exactly and precisely"?

Yes, saying "specify exactly and precisely" is generally considered redundant. The word "exactly" already implies precision, so adding "precisely" doesn't add significant meaning.

What's the difference between "specify" and "specify exactly"?

"Specify" means to state something clearly and in detail. "Specify exactly" adds emphasis on the need for precision and thoroughness. For example, "Please specify the requirements" versus "Please specify exactly what requirements must be met."