specify it with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specify it with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to provide specific details or clarification about something using a particular method or format. Example: "Please specify it with the necessary documentation to ensure we have all the required information."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For example, we cannot evaluate the internal act 'willing to tell a lie', since it is too general; to properly identify and evaluate this interior act we must specify it with all its morally relevant circumstances.

SEP

I'm sorry, because the probability is uniform across this beta distribution whether you specify it with a beta or [INAUDIBLE].

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The option –split-disorder-groups (which is on by default so it is not necessary to explicitly specify it) is useful in structures with disorder of the first kind (as described above), producing separate CIF blocks for each component of the disorder, the first of these blocks being that with the largest sum of atom occupancies.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Other safeguards recommended in the report are tighter definitions of the purposes for which data is sought — with Anderson specifying it should be "defined by operations or mission purposes" (as opposed to fishing expeditions); and the introduction of a new form of "bulk warrant" to limit the acquisition of data captured via mass surveillance to comms metadata.

TechCrunch

If you forget to specify and it comes with chocolate, you are within your rights to send it back on the grounds that it is not a "cappuccino" but a "cappuccino with chocolate on the top".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Blippar uses more than 100 sources to deliver this information, but wouldn't specify who it has partnered with on content.

TechCrunch

The Oahu plant must run on renewable fuel, since the permits and environmental-impact statements drafted for the plant specify that it be powered with biofuel.

Forbes

The News Corporation, which like British Sky Broadcasting is controlled by Rupert Murdoch, did not specify what it intends to do with the remainder of the proceeds -- anywhere from $635 million to $785 million depending on demand for the bonds.

The New York Times

All parties are usually happy when a contract is signed but in a year's time when the relationship with a club breaks down or the athlete wants to change clubs or agents, you need to have the foresight to specify how it will be dealt with.

BBC

You can order from a butcher or just order a raw shoulder (butt) or raw ham and specify you want it "with skin on".

Huffington Post

For each variable, we specify (n) with data if it differs from the total in the first row.

BMC Nephrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specify it with", ensure that the 'it' refers to a clearly defined subject in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "specify it with" when the 'it' is not immediately clear or has multiple possible referents; this can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specify it with" functions as a directive, instructing the provision of precise details alongside a particular method or element. It emphasizes the need for clarity and the inclusion of specific information, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "specify it with" is used to instruct someone to provide detailed information alongside a particular element or method. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct but relatively rare in occurrence. It functions to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity by emphasizing the inclusion of precise details. The phrase is versatile, applicable in contexts ranging from scientific discussions to general instructions. While generally neutral in tone, care should be taken to ensure the 'it' refers to a clearly defined subject to prevent vagueness. Alternatives such as "detail it using" or "illustrate it with" may be considered for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detail it using

Focuses on providing details by means of a specific method or tool.

define it through

Emphasizes defining something by using a particular medium or method.

clarify it via

Highlights the use of a particular channel or method to make something clearer.

illustrate it with

Stresses the use of examples or visuals to clarify a point.

elucidate it by

Focuses on making something clear or easy to understand by a specific means.

designate it with

Highlights assigning or indicating something using a specific marker or label.

denote it through

Emphasizes the use of a sign, symbol, or mark to indicate something.

mark it using

Focuses on the use of a specific tool or method to mark something.

stipulate it by

Highlights specifying a condition or requirement in an agreement.

prescribe it via

Emphasizes the use of a specific method to formally recommend or advise something.

FAQs

How can I use "specify it with" in a sentence?

Use "specify it with" when you want to provide detailed instructions or information alongside a particular method or tool. For instance, "Specify the color with hexadecimal codes."

What are some alternatives to "specify it with"?

You can use alternatives like "detail it using", "define it through", or "illustrate it with" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "clearly specify it with"?

While not grammatically incorrect, adding "clearly" to "specify it with" can be redundant, as "specify" already implies clarity. Choose the phrasing that best suits the context and desired emphasis.

Can "specify it with" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "specify it with" is appropriate for formal writing as long as the context and referent are clear. Ensure that the tone and level of detail align with the formal setting.