to be specific about something

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Would you like to see each other again soon?" If you want to be specific about seeing your date again, say something like "Would you be interested in dinner next time?

WikiHow

Be specific about placement.

WikiHow

Even better if you can be specific: Find something about your partner that has improved with age -- a leaner face, perhaps? a more muscular torso?

Huffington Post

And the animals in question -- four pink-eared, black-and-white laboratory rats -- appeared to be dreaming about something very specific: the maze they were learning to run.

The New York Times

And the animals in question — four pink-eared, black-and white laboratory rats — appeared to be dreaming about something very specific: The maze they were learning to run.

The New York Times - Science

One of the lads - a 25 year-old Polish ballet dancer stated: "he was very specific about something special he wanted us to do to him.

Huffington Post

Be specific and think about the sensations you felt when something good happened to you.

Harvard University

Next anchor the experience: during your interview notice what they like (art? dogs? etc) then send a thoughtful thank you gift something they'll feel good about since it is specific to them, and something that they'll keep in sight (coffee table book, cool item for desk).

Forbes

Of course, one might argue that all artists, from Virginia Woolf to Louise Bourgeois, grapple with the inevitability of loss and write or paint or sculpture to fill the void, but there seems to be something site-specific about Calle's claim.

The New York Times - Style

In other words, the best way to write about ourselves is to write about something specific in the world.

The New York Times

"Being an actor is about stretching empathy; it's about making something universal by being specific," said the actor, who can speak in well-meaning if occasionally earnest tones.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be specific about something", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are being specific about. Providing a brief summary or introduction before delving into the details can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to be specific about something" without providing sufficient context. Readers may struggle to understand the relevance or purpose of the specific details if the broader topic is not established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be specific about something" functions as a transitional phrase, signaling an upcoming shift to more detailed or precise information within a discussion or written piece. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be specific about something" serves as a transitional element, guiding the audience towards more precise or detailed information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adheres to standard grammatical conventions. Although not extremely common, it's versatile enough for neutral use across various writing styles. To enhance clarity, contextualize the phrase with a summary before detailing your subject. While there are no authoritative sources or usage patterns extracted due to missing examples, remember that "to clarify something precisely" and "to detail something in particular" can serve as suitable alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to clarify something precisely

Highlights the act of making something clear and exact.

to elaborate on something

Focuses on providing more details and expanding on a particular point.

to define something clearly

Highlights the provision of a distinct and unambiguous definition.

to detail something in particular

Emphasizes the provision of detailed information regarding a specific aspect.

to spell something out explicitly

Emphasizes leaving no room for ambiguity by stating something in a very clear and direct manner.

to pinpoint something accurately

Stresses the act of identifying or specifying something with great precision.

to delineate something exactly

Emphasizes setting forth or describing something with precision and accuracy.

to enumerate something comprehensively

Focuses on listing or detailing something in a thorough and complete way.

to specify something minutely

Stresses giving very small details about something

to highlight a particular aspect

Focuses attention on a certain part of something to make it more visible.

FAQs

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

Introduce the general topic first, then use "to be specific about something" to transition into the detailed information. For example, "We discussed the budget in general terms; "to be specific about something", the marketing allocation is $50,000".

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

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

Is it redundant to use "to be specific about something" if I'm already providing details?

It can be. If the context already implies you are providing specific details, using the phrase might be unnecessary. However, it can still serve as a useful signal to the reader that you are transitioning to a more detailed explanation.

What's the difference between "to be specific about something" and simply providing specific details?

"To be specific about something" is a transitional phrase that signals you are about to provide more detailed information. Providing specific details without the phrase simply means you are offering concrete information without explicitly announcing it.