specify the reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specify the reason" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when asking for clarification on why someone did something or why something happened. For example: "Why did you leave the meeting early? Please specify the reason."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The company's chief executive, Dave Burner, speaking to analysts in a conference call, declined to name the potential buyer and did not specify the reason for the delay.

The New York Times

Ford did not specify the reason for the split other than to say that it flowed from an "annual budget review".

The Guardian

We also failed to specify the reason he spent time in a penal colony and the fact that those charges were overturned.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Clarke did not specify the reason for the step in court, but a question from Justice Carro offered a hint.

The New York Times

The court did not specify the reason for the stay, but Mr. Tarver's appeal, which was denied on Thursday by the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals and the Alabama Supreme Court, questioned the constitutionality of the electric chair.

The New York Times

Fars, a semiofficial state news agency, did not specify the reason for the arrest of the Ahmadinejad ally, Mohammed Sharif Malekzadeh, who resigned as deputy foreign minister this week, but a report by Mehr, another semiofficial agency, pointed to allegations of financial misdeeds.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The researchers did not specify the reasons for that requirement.

The New York Times

The police said that 11 people were arrested, but did not specify the reasons.

The New York Times

The league did not specify the reasons for any of the departures.

The New York Times

Mr. Ahmadi did not specify the reasons for the ban or why it was not announced publicly at the time.

The New York Times

If the company fails to spend the prescribed amount, the board in its report is required to specify the reasons.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specify the reason", ensure the context requires a detailed and clear explanation, not just a general answer. For example, in formal reports or legal documents, it's important to "specify the reason" with precision.

Common error

Avoid using "specify the reason" when a simple answer suffices. Over-complicating explanations can lead to confusion. If a brief explanation is adequate, opt for simpler phrasing like "explain why" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specify the reason" functions as an imperative phrase that prompts a detailed explanation or justification. It requests the provision of precise and clear reasoning for a particular action, decision, or occurrence. Ludwig confirms the correctness of its use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specify the reason" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that demands a detailed explanation. As indicated by Ludwig, it functions as an imperative, urging clarity and precision. Predominantly found in news, science, and formal business contexts, it maintains a professional register. When employing this phrase, ensure that the situation warrants a comprehensive explanation, and avoid using it when a simple answer would suffice. Related phrases include "explain the cause" and "detail the justification", offering alternative ways to solicit detailed reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state the justification

Directly asks for the reason that defends or justifies an action or decision.

explain the cause

Focuses on the underlying cause rather than a general reason.

indicate the cause

Similar to "explain the cause", but perhaps slightly less detailed.

detail the justification

Emphasizes providing a detailed explanation of why something is right or fair.

clarify the motive

Highlights the need to make the underlying motive or intention clear.

outline the rationale

Suggests presenting a structured explanation of the reasoning behind a decision or action.

elucidate the reasoning

Calls for a thorough explanation of the thought process or logic involved.

define the grounds

Focuses on establishing the basis or foundation for something.

set forth the basis

Similar to "define the grounds", emphasizing the establishment of a foundational reason.

spell out the why

An informal alternative, emphasizing simplicity and directness in explanation.

FAQs

How do I use "specify the reason" in a sentence?

You can use "specify the reason" when you need someone to provide a detailed explanation. For instance, "Please specify the reason for the budget cuts" asks for a thorough justification.

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

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "elucidate the rationale" or "detail the justification" as alternatives.

Is it ever incorrect to use "specify the reason"?

While grammatically correct, "specify the reason" can be overly formal in casual conversations. Simpler options like "explain why" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "explain the reason" and "specify the reason"?

"Explain the reason" is a broader request for clarification, while "specify the reason" implies a need for a detailed and precise explanation.