sufficiently specific

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sufficiently specific" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that has enough detail or clarity to be understood or acted upon. Example: "The requirements for the project were sufficiently specific to ensure that all team members understood their roles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Therefore, glycan structure analysis should greatly improve the specificity and sensitivity of potential biomarkers that at present are not sufficiently specific for clinical tumor diagnosis.

Clinical Proteomics

On a story like this, "Is it good for Obama or for Romney?" is not a sufficiently specific organizing question.

The New Yorker

Researchers stress that patients should not expect to have blood tests for frailty; the biochemical abnormalities are not sufficiently specific, occurring whenever there is inflammation.

The New York Times - Health

The UK took "false comfort" in the strength of the relationship between the president and Blair, but on a succession of issues found itself ignored or incapable of making demands in a sufficiently specific way.

The Guardian

"Ovaltine" is absolved from another new requirement for all prepacked foods to "display a name or description sufficiently specific to indicate to a prospective purchaser the true nature of the food to which (a brand name) is applied".

The Guardian

Lagarde said the Greek menu of policies was not sufficiently specific, and did not go far enough, singling out VAT, pension and labour market reforms and privatisation as issues.

The Guardian - Business

Furthermore, the indications are not sufficiently specific.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Can we say that the category 'researchers' is sufficiently specific?

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Our results revealed that both methods were sufficiently specific and sensitive to detect S. epidermidis.

Molecular and Cellular Probes

On the shortcomings in such plans, the report stated: "Very few child protection plans are sufficiently specific.

BBC

Ofsted inspectors found that in some cases the child protection plans were being closed too soon and that "very few" plans were sufficiently specific.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sufficiently specific", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject needs to be specific enough for. For instance, 'The instructions were sufficiently specific for the user to assemble the product correctly.'

Common error

Avoid using "sufficiently specific" without a clear reference point. It is incorrect to state that something is "sufficiently specific" without indicating the purpose or goal for which that level of specificity is required. Instead, specify what the subject must be detailed enough for.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sufficiently specific" functions as an adverb-adjective combination modifying a noun or concept. It indicates that something possesses the required level of detail or precision needed for a particular purpose or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sufficiently specific" is a common and grammatically correct adverb-adjective combination, primarily used in formal and scientific contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English. It indicates that something has the necessary level of detail or clarity for a particular purpose. As highlighted in the usage examples, "sufficiently specific" often appears in discussions related to scientific research, medical diagnoses, and policy planning. To use the phrase effectively, remember to always provide context by specifying what the subject must be detailed enough for. Alternatives include "adequately detailed" and "clear enough", offering similar shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appropriately specific

Highlights that the level of detail is suitable for the given context or purpose.

sufficiently detailed

Similar to "adequately detailed", but emphasizes the completeness of the information.

sufficiently clear

Emphasizes that the information is understandable.

adequately detailed

Focuses on the presence of enough detail, implying the information is sufficient for understanding or action.

adequately clear

Similar to "sufficiently clear", but may suggest a slightly lower threshold of clarity.

adequately precise

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness, ensuring the information is not vague or ambiguous.

clearly defined

Indicates that the boundaries or parameters are well-established and easily understood.

explicit enough

Highlights the directness and clarity of the information, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

clear enough

Highlights the clarity of the information, ensuring it is easily understood.

in sufficient detail

Focuses on the presence of adequate details.

FAQs

How can I use "sufficiently specific" in a sentence?

Use "sufficiently specific" to describe something that has enough detail or clarity for a particular purpose. For example, "The requirements were "sufficiently specific" to ensure everyone understood their roles."

What are some alternatives to "sufficiently specific"?

You can use alternatives like "adequately detailed", "clear enough", or "appropriately specific" depending on the context. These alternatives emphasize different aspects of having enough detail or clarity.

Is it correct to say something is "sufficiently specific" without further context?

It's best to avoid using "sufficiently specific" without indicating what the subject needs to be specific for. Providing context ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, say "The instructions were "sufficiently specific" for assembly".

What's the difference between "sufficiently specific" and "adequately detailed"?

"Sufficiently specific" emphasizes the clarity and precision needed for a purpose, while "adequately detailed" focuses on having enough information. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.