to be specifically

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be specifically" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize a particular detail or point in a sentence. For example: "The funding will be used to help the homeless, to be specifically those living in the inner city."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Traffic-specific PM seems to be specifically toxic on an equal mass basis.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Homosexuals don't need to be specifically excluded, since their desire reveals their failure.

The Guardian - Books

The program is said to be specifically designed to address the ails of travelers.

The New York Times

Thus their intention to commit crime had to be specifically proven".

The Guardian

Which got me wondering whether the story was going to be specifically about him.

The Guardian - Film

But they would have to be specifically looking for it: it does not jump out.

The New York Times

The performance piece is going to be specifically engaged with race.

The Washington Post

Others expressed concern about how and when the policies were to be specifically implemented.

The New York Times

Both transporters are thought to be specifically required in astrocytes22,23,54,60,61.

Nature

The sensor configuration and accomodation has to be specifically optimised for the mission requirements.

Advances in Space Research

Models need to be specifically trained to work with beam search.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be specifically" to highlight a particular aspect or detail you want to emphasize in your writing. It helps narrow down a broader subject to a more focused point.

Common error

Avoid using "to be specifically" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Try using synonyms like "particularly", "expressly", or "notably" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be specifically" functions as an infinitive phrase used to provide further clarification or narrow the scope of a statement. It acts as an adverbial modifier, adding detail and precision to the preceding verb or clause. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be specifically" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to add precision and focus to a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While frequently used in science, news and business contexts, it’s important to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy. Consider alternative phrases like "particularly" or "expressly" for variety. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "to be specifically" to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be particularly

Particularly emphasizes a specific item or aspect, drawing attention to it.

to be expressly

Expressly implies a clearer and more direct statement, leaving no room for ambiguity.

to become specifically

This phrase shows the process of something becoming specialized or defined.

to be precisely

Precisely suggests exactness and accuracy, focusing on pinpoint accuracy.

to be exactly

Exactly denotes precision and the absence of any deviation.

to be notably

Notably highlights something remarkable or worthy of attention.

to be namely

Namely introduces a specific item or example to clarify a general statement.

to be clearly

Clearly emphasizes the lack of ambiguity and directness in a statement.

to be accurately

Accurately focuses on the correctness and fidelity of the information.

to be concretely

Concretely points to something tangible and real, offering a practical example.

FAQs

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

Use "to be specifically" to introduce a clarifying detail or a particular focus within a broader statement. For example, "The project aims to help students, "to be specifically" those from low-income families".

What are some alternatives to using "to be specifically"?

Alternatives include phrases like "particularly", "expressly", or "notably". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to use "specifically" after stating something is "to be"?

While not inherently redundant, overuse can weaken your writing. Ensure it adds meaningful emphasis. Consider whether a simpler word like "especially" or "mainly" might suffice.

What's the difference between "to be specifically" and "to be generally"?

"To be specifically" narrows the focus to a precise aspect, whereas "to be generally" broadens the scope to an overall concept. For example, "The rules apply "to be generally" applicable, but "to be specifically" enforced in high-risk areas".