Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
the document specifies that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "the document specifies that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to specific information or requirements outlined in a document. Example: "The document specifies that all employees must complete the training by the end of the month."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
9 human-written examples
The document specifies that Ottawa is looking for a location, within 400 kilometers of "a major international airport in Ontario or Quebec" that consists of a "vacant commercial, institutional or residential motel, hotel or multiple unit buildings with a minimum of 12 units suitable for immediate occupancy.
News & Media
The document specifies that the attacks would be aimed at Spanish forces within Iraq — there is no call for action in Spain.
News & Media
The document specifies that robots should not be designed so as to exploit vulnerable users; that users should always be able to "lift the curtain"—another Wizard of Oz reference and see the robot's inner workings.
News & Media
Several Democratic lawmakers asserted on Wednesday that the memorandum led directly to the abuses of detainees at Abu Ghraib, although the document specifies that it applies only to "unlawful combatants," a label that would not apply to the largely Iraqi population captured during the Iraq war.
News & Media
The document specifies that if the cats — Lou Lou, Mimi and Johnny — outlive Ms. Schiro and her mother, they will be taken to a retirement community at the North Shore Animal League America, where they will live out their days, paid for by money set aside for them.
News & Media
The data-sharing agreement with DeepMind is set to run until September 29, 2017, after which the document specifies that all data be transferred back to the NHS trust and any residual data be destroyed.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
51 human-written examples
The Framework document specifies that "monitoring of Global Fund grants will focus on programmatic accountability: assessing the programmatic progress and public health impact of activities supported by the Global Fund; and providing incentives for improved performance".
Science
However, the document specified that the vicar of St Nicholas-at-Wade with All Saints' had to pay £3.3s.4d (£3.17) annually to the vicar of Reculver "as a sign of subjection".
Wiki
Although the document specified that bigamy could be sanctioned only under rare conditions, Philip took it as approval for his marriage to a lady-in-waiting of his sister.
Wiki
The same document specifies that the participation has to be voluntary, with the possibility of leaving the program if he or she so desires, and that the intervention will not have a negative effect in their health care assistance.
Science
The Project Document specifies that the immediate objective is to increase coverage and improve quality of preschool education for 1,500 children 3-5 years old in 10 municipalities.
Formal & Business
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "the document specifies that", ensure that the document you are referring to is clearly identified for context. This prevents ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the source of the information.
Common error
Avoid using "the document specifies that" without properly introducing the document beforehand. Readers need to know which document you're referencing for the statement to be meaningful. Always be explicit.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The document specifies that functions as a declarative phrase introducing specific details, requirements, or conditions outlined within a particular document. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal writing. It clearly indicates that the information following the phrase is directly sourced from the document in question.
Frequent in
News & Media
45%
Science
35%
Wiki
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "the document specifies that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to introduce information directly sourced from a particular document. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct for standard English usage. Its usage spans across multiple contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings, demonstrating its versatility. When using the phrase, be sure to clearly identify the document in question to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "the document indicates that" or "the document states that", which offer subtle variations in formality. The phrase serves to establish authority, clarify terms, and ensure accuracy in communication.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
the document indicates that
Replaces "specifies" with "indicates", offering a slightly less formal tone.
the document states that
Substitutes "specifies" with "states", providing a direct and clear alternative.
the document details that
Replaces "specifies" with "details", emphasizing a more comprehensive description.
according to the document
Shifts the focus to the document as the source of information.
the document outlines that
Uses "outlines" instead of "specifies", suggesting a summary of key points.
the document stipulates that
Substitutes "specifies" with "stipulates", implying a formal requirement.
it is specified in the document that
Inverts the sentence structure for a more passive voice.
the guidelines specify that
Uses "guidelines" instead of "document", changing the type of source.
the contract specifies that
Uses "contract" instead of "document", changing the type of source.
the regulation specifies that
Uses "regulation" instead of "document", changing the type of source.
FAQs
What can I say instead of "the document specifies that"?
You can use alternatives like "the document indicates that", "the document states that", or "according to the document" depending on the context.
How do I use "the document specifies that" in a sentence?
Begin by referencing the document, then use "the document specifies that" followed by the specific detail from the document. For example: "According to the contract, the document specifies that all payments must be made within 30 days."
Which is correct, "the document specifies that" or "the document specify that"?
"The document specifies that" is correct. "Specifies" is the correct verb form because "document" is a singular noun. The verb must agree with the singular subject.
What's the difference between "the document specifies that" and "the document details that"?
While both phrases indicate information from a document, "the document details that" suggests a more comprehensive and thorough explanation, whereas "the document specifies that" simply points out a particular point or requirement.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested