specify precisely

USAGE SUMMARY

"specify precisely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a particular thing needs to be clearly explained or stated. For example, "Please specify precisely what you require from this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Eikenberry declined to specify precisely what constituted "excessive" use.

The Guardian - Tech

He did not specify precisely when the operation had begun.

The New York Times

Yet the leaders did not specify precisely how much of this cash the union would provide.

The Guardian - Opinion

The equations specify precisely how it all happens, but that is the gist of it.

The Guardian

It also doesn't specify precisely how quickly the pot of money should grow over time.

The New York Times

It did not specify precisely when Mr. Mahmoudi would be returned to Libya.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The utility has trademarked the symbol — and specifies precisely how it must appear — but offers it free to organizations installing charging stations.

The New York Times

Due to scarce and imprecise information, the model parameters cannot be specified precisely and are merely known in form of bounds.

Structural Safety

In real world applications the supply, the demand and the transportation cost per unit of the quantities in a transportation problem are hardly specified precisely because of the changing economic and environmental conditions.

International Journal of Mining Science and Technology

To qualify for full bragging rights at such shows, rugged-laptop makers design their machines to meet something called the MIL-STD-810E Environmental Spec: a 539-page government publication that at a glance lets you know where your tax dollars go. It specifies precisely what kinds of tests a laptop must survive to qualify for consideration by the armed forces.

The New York Times - Tech

You are to write an algorithm in English that specifies precisely how to sort the words.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specify precisely", ensure that the context requires a high degree of accuracy and detail. Avoid using it when a general description suffices.

Common error

Avoid using "specify precisely" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "explain clearly" or "say exactly" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specify precisely" functions as a verb phrase used to emphasize the need for detailed and accurate information. It often appears in contexts where clarity and exactness are paramount. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

30%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "specify precisely" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that emphasizes the need for detail and accuracy. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions primarily to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. While found across various contexts, it's most frequent in news, science, and academic writing, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When aiming for precision, "specify precisely" is a strong choice, but remember to adjust your language based on the context to maintain the appropriate tone. Alternatives like "define exactly" or "state explicitly" can offer similar clarity with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

define exactly

This alternative focuses on providing a clear definition, emphasizing the exactness of the definition.

state explicitly

This alternative emphasizes the act of stating something clearly and without any ambiguity.

indicate clearly

This alternative highlights the act of pointing something out in a way that is easily understood.

detail meticulously

This alternative emphasizes the thoroughness and attention to detail in providing information.

articulate distinctly

This alternative focuses on expressing something in a clear and easily understandable manner.

designate accurately

This alternative emphasizes the accuracy and precision in assigning or identifying something.

pinpoint exactly

This alternative highlights the act of identifying something with great accuracy and precision.

delineate sharply

This alternative focuses on drawing a clear and distinct boundary or outline.

spell out clearly

This alternative emphasizes the act of explaining something in a very simple and straightforward way.

stipulate unambiguously

This alternative focuses on stating a requirement or condition in a way that leaves no room for interpretation.

FAQs

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

You can use "specify precisely" to emphasize the need for detailed and accurate information. For example, "The contract should "specify precisely" the terms of payment."

What's a more formal way to say "specify precisely"?

A more formal alternative to "specify precisely" could be "delineate unambiguously" or "stipulate unambiguously", depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it redundant to say "specify very precisely"?

While not strictly incorrect, adding "very" before "precisely" can be redundant. "Specify precisely" already implies a high degree of accuracy, so adding "very" doesn't significantly enhance the meaning.

What's the difference between "specify precisely" and "indicate clearly"?

"Specify precisely" implies providing detailed and accurate information, while "indicate clearly" suggests making something easily understood. You "specify precisely" when accuracy is crucial, and "indicate clearly" when clarity is the priority.