to be specific about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be specific about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or provide detailed information on a particular subject or topic. Example: "To be specific about the project timeline, we expect the first draft to be completed by the end of next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

When saying thank you, it is best to be specific about exactly what you are thankful for.

Forbes

Mr. Hurd also declined to be specific about cost cuts.

The New York Times - Tech

Second, councils don't have to be specific about type of "affordable housing" that's needed.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I'll give Hillary one more chance to be specific about cancer," he said.

The New York Times

But you have to be specific about whether it's plausibly related to Lyme.

The New Yorker

She declined to be specific about what that could include but hinted at direct action.

The Guardian - Film

He said they were "introductory" in nature and declined to be specific about substance.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I don't want to be specific about what I'm looking for, but I watch a lot of film on the guys I go against," Young said today.

The New York Times - Sports

Garden.com, which is publicly traded, declined to be specific about its current assets and liabilities.

The New York Times

Ms. McKenna declined to be specific about what might come next.

The New York Times

Yesterday she declined to be specific about when that might happen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be specific about", ensure that the details you provide directly relate to the topic at hand and offer genuine clarification or additional value to your communication. Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly technical language that could confuse your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "to be specific about" to state the obvious. This can make your writing seem condescending or redundant. Only use it when the added detail is genuinely needed for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be specific about" primarily functions as a discourse marker, signaling an intention to provide detailed information or clarification. As Ludwig AI shows, it prefaces explanations, setting the stage for precise details that follow. The phrase acts as an adverbial phrase modifying the main clause, indicating the manner in which information will be presented.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be specific about" is a versatile phrase used to introduce detailed information and enhance clarity in communication. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and it's very commonly used, especially in news and media contexts. While alternatives such as "to elaborate on" or "to clarify" exist, "to be specific about" serves as a direct signal for forthcoming precision, making it a valuable tool in various writing and speaking scenarios. To ensure effective usage, avoid redundancy by only adding clarifying information when it is relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to clarify

This alternative focuses on making something easier to understand through detailed explanation.

to define precisely

This alternative highlights the act of setting out clear and exact boundaries or meanings.

to elaborate on

This alternative emphasizes expanding on a previous statement with greater detail.

to offer specifics

This option underscores presenting particular and precise facts.

to spell out

This choice implies explaining something very directly and clearly, leaving no room for ambiguity.

to detail

This option suggests providing a comprehensive list of items or aspects.

to give particulars

This emphasizes offering specific details or pieces of information.

to cite details

This alternative focuses on providing specific instances or pieces of evidence to support a statement.

to pinpoint

This alternative highlights the act of identifying something exactly and accurately.

to stipulate

This emphasizes setting out specific conditions or requirements.

FAQs

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

Use "to be specific about" to introduce detailed information or clarify a point. For example, "To be specific about the deadline, all submissions are due by 5 PM on Friday."

What are some alternatives to "to be specific about"?

You can use alternatives like "to clarify", "to elaborate on", or "to detail" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "to be specific about" or "specifically"?

Both "to be specific about" and "specifically" can be used to introduce details. "To be specific about" is often used to set the stage for a more detailed explanation, while "specifically" directly introduces the detail. For example: "To be specific about our requirements..." vs "We need assistance, specifically with data entry."

When should I avoid using "to be specific about"?

Avoid using "to be specific about" when the context already implies that you are providing details or if the information you are providing is self-explanatory. Overuse can make your writing seem clunky. Simplify the sentence structure to improve readability.