to be specific

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be specific" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to clarify or provide more detail about something that has already been stated. For example: Our company is looking for an experienced employee to join our team. To be specific, we're looking for someone with at least five years of relevant experience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Venus, to be specific".

The New York Times

To be specific.

The New Yorker

He declined to be specific.

The New York Times

Novels want to be specific.

The New York Times

He wants to be specific.

Independent

She declined to be specific.

The New York Times

Mr Wahid has to be specific.

The Economist

Exception Message: [null]," to be specific.

The New York Times

It has to be specific.

The Guardian - Film

A painter, to be specific.

The New York Times

They have to be specific".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be specific" to introduce a detail that narrows the scope of a previous, more general statement. It helps to focus the reader's attention on the most important or relevant information.

Common error

Avoid using "to be specific" unnecessarily. If the detail is already clear or the specificity is not required, the phrase can sound redundant and weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be specific" functions as a transitional phrase, primarily used to introduce a more detailed or precise explanation of something previously mentioned. It guides the reader towards a clearer understanding, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be specific" is a very common introductory phrase used to introduce more precise or detailed information. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and serves to clarify a previous statement across a variety of contexts, most frequently in news and media. While versatile, avoid overuse to prevent redundancy. Alternatives like "in particular" or "more precisely" can be used to achieve a similar effect. Using "to be specific" correctly can significantly improve the clarity and focus of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more precisely

Indicates a higher degree of accuracy or exactness in the subsequent statement.

in particular

Emphasizes a particular aspect or detail within a broader context.

specifically speaking

Highlights that the following statement is about a particular case or aspect.

by way of clarification

Formally indicates the intent to make something clearer or more understandable.

namely

Introduces a list of specific items or details related to a previous statement.

in detail

Signals that a more thorough or elaborate explanation will follow.

that is to say

Provides an explanation or restatement of something previously mentioned.

to put it another way

Offers a rephrasing for clarification, often simplifying a complex idea.

in simpler terms

Indicates that the following explanation will be less technical or complex.

for example

Introduces an instance or illustration to clarify a general statement.

FAQs

How can I use "to be specific" in a sentence?

Use "to be specific" to introduce a more detailed or precise version of a previous statement. For example, "I enjoy outdoor activities; "to be specific", I love hiking and kayaking".

What are some alternatives to "to be specific"?

You can use alternatives like "in particular", "more precisely", or "namely" to provide further clarification or detail.

When is it appropriate to use "to be specific" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to narrow down a general statement and provide a more precise detail. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands exactly what you mean.

Is "to be specific" formal or informal?

"To be specific" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its use depends more on the context and the need for clarification than on the formality of the situation.