specifying that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specifying that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or detail a particular point or condition in a statement. Example: "The report includes a section specifying that all data must be collected by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You might ask, for instance, for Draymond Green's jersey number, without specifying that Green is a basketball player.

The New Yorker

But if the Supreme Court clarified some questions -- particularly by specifying that same-sex harassment need not be motivated by desire -- it left others cloudier than ever.

The New York Times - Magazine

This has resulted in most manufacturers specifying that subsea cables are not permitted to be axially loaded in compression.

Applied Ocean Research

He thus became influential in the development of federal regulations specifying that candidates and parties receive equal airtime.

Wikipedia

2) By specifying that Bush's addiction was "crack-head -like, Jones linked Bush to a drug largely used in the blacrack-head -like

Huffington Post

Showing that NNT < q is equivalent to specifying that RD > κ = 1/ q.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Restaurants also employ the same semantic devices, specifying that seafood is "day boat" or "line caught".

The New York Times - Food

I used to tag language to my letters specifying that I would not do these things.

The New York Times

Donors could also give directly to Iraq, specifying that their own companies do the work.

The New York Times

He suggests policies specifying that the videos be deleted after a certain short period.

The New York Times

The House vote would clarify the law by specifying that the prohibition against "any" includes Web site names.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specifying that", ensure that the details you are providing are clear, concise, and directly relevant to the main point to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details when using "specifying that". Focus on the most important conditions or instructions to maintain clarity and prevent cognitive overload.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specifying that" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a clause that provides detailed information, conditions, or requirements related to the main clause. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it frequently introduces specific rules or details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "specifying that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conjunction to introduce detailed information or conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is valid in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. To ensure clarity, it's best to provide precise and concise details, avoiding unnecessary information that could overwhelm the reader. Alternatives like "indicating that" or "stipulating that" can be used based on the specific nuance needed. By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "specifying that" into your writing to provide essential clarification and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stipulating that

Emphasizes a formal requirement or condition that must be met.

prescribing that

Implies setting down an official rule or course of action.

dictating that

Suggests a strong, authoritative command or requirement.

indicating that

Focuses on pointing out or suggesting something without necessarily giving precise details.

ordaining that

Implies an official or formal decree or order.

clarifying that

Focuses on making something easier to understand by providing more information.

detailing that

Highlights the provision of extensive and thorough information.

designating that

Emphasizes the act of formally choosing or naming something for a specific purpose.

establishing that

Emphasizes the act of proving or showing something to be true or certain.

defining that

Highlights the act of clearly stating the meaning of something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "specifying that" in a sentence?

Use "specifying that" to introduce a clause that provides detailed information or conditions related to a previous statement. For example, "The contract includes a clause "specifying that" all payments must be made within 30 days."

What are some alternatives to "specifying that"?

Alternatives include "indicating that", "stipulating that", or "detailing that", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "specifying that" and "stating that"?

"Specifying that" implies providing detailed or precise information, while "stating that" simply means making a declaration. Use "specifying that" when you want to emphasize the details being provided.

When should I use "specifying that" instead of "explaining that"?

Use "specifying that" when you are setting out particular conditions or details. Use "explaining that" when you are providing reasons or clarifying something. For instance, "The guidelines are "specifying that" all submissions must be in PDF format" versus "He was "explaining that" the delay was due to technical issues".