specify further

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specify further" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to provide more detailed information or clarification on a topic. Example: "Could you please specify further what you mean by 'improved performance' in your report?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

American officials acknowledged that the United States was helping in unconventional ways, but would not specify further.

The New York Times

In its own outline of contract goals, the union asked for a "substantial salary increase" in each year of the agreement, but did not specify further.

The New York Times

"The preponderance of forces, no matter what number you pick, will be in the south, and there will be some in the east," said a senior defense official, who would not specify further.

The New York Times

He also sounded a somber note, pleading with Kenyans to give blood, and said he had lost "very close family members in this attack," though he did not specify further.

The New York Times

The health secretary, Alan Milburn, has already said that the treatment of the country's biggest killers, heart disease and cancer, will be a top priority; the national plan will specify further priorities and targets, and ways to achieve them.In this section Intensive care Poor relations All right, Jack?

The Economist

"Search within" feature helps to specify further.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

He has not specified further steps to keep Medicare solvent.

The New York Times

Without specifying further details, the authorities said an investigation had been opened.

The New York Times

"If two races inhabit a given region," Huntington specified further, "both must be considered, and the rank of the region must depend upon the average of the two".

The New Yorker

Start is also important because the 2002 Moscow Treaty (also known as Sort), which specifies further reductions, incorporates its verification measures.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the city's robust real estate market, Sotheby's has already fielded unsolicited overtures, Mr. Gully said, without specifying further details.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specify further", ensure that the context clearly indicates what aspect needs more detailed information. Avoid ambiguity by referencing the specific point requiring clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "specify further" when the need for more information is already obvious. Instead, directly ask for the specific details needed rather than vaguely requesting further specification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specify further" functions as a verb phrase combined with an adverb, serving to request or indicate the need for a more detailed or precise explanation. This is consistent with Ludwig's analysis, which confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specify further" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that requests more detailed information. While the frequency of this phrase is uncommon, it finds usage across various contexts, most notably in news and media and scientific domains. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is best used when seeking clarification on a previously introduced topic. To avoid potential ambiguity, ensure clear context when employing this phrase. Alternatives such as "elaborate further" or "provide more details" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Therefore, "specify further" is suitable when additional clarity is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elaborate further

This alternative is more conversational and asks for a more detailed explanation.

provide more details

This option is a direct and straightforward way to ask for additional information.

clarify in more detail

This phrase emphasizes the need for clearer and more comprehensive information.

define more precisely

This alternative highlights the need for a more exact and accurate definition.

go into greater depth

This suggests a need for a more thorough and profound exploration of the topic.

offer a fuller explanation

This implies that the current explanation is incomplete and needs to be more comprehensive.

expound in greater detail

This option is more formal and suggests a need for a more elaborate and detailed account.

spell out the specifics

This emphasizes the need to explicitly state the particular details.

offer a more granular explanation

This phrase means to give a more detailed explanation.

be more specific

This alternative is a very direct way to ask for more clarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "specify further" when you need more detailed information. For example, "Could you please "specify further" what steps are involved in the process?"

What are some alternatives to "specify further"?

Alternatives to "specify further" include "elaborate further", "provide more details", or "clarify in more detail" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "specify further" or "specify in detail"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "specify further" implies a continuation of a previous specification, while "specify in detail" focuses on providing a comprehensive level of detail from the start.

When is it best to use "specify further" in professional writing?

Use "specify further" in professional writing when requesting additional clarification on a previously mentioned topic or point. This avoids redundancy and ensures a focused inquiry.