to describe specifically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to describe specifically" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the need for detailed or precise descriptions in a given context. Example: "In your report, please take the time to describe specifically how the experiment was conducted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

At one point, Mr. Hardin asked Mr. Duncan to describe specifically material that he gave to his secretary to destroy.

The New York Times

Only Tiny is allowed to describe specifically how he died, and even that account is more impressionistic than forensic.

The New York Times

But many details of the new approach remained unclear yesterday, because administration officials declined to describe specifically how the program will work.

The Washington Post

Then we expatiate the model's guidelines to describe specifically how they were designed and implemented to mitigate pollution and dilution.

Advances in Child Development and Behavior

The official declined to describe specifically what members of NATO's Afghanistan force, known as the International Security Assistance Force or ISAF, have done to support the talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, except to note a broad category of granting safe passage to insurgent leaders who agree to the talks.

The New York Times

Law enforcement officials are reluctant to describe specifically the measures they would take if suicide bombers struck.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Utilization of a medical encounter database for epidemiologic studies carries an intrinsic risk of misclassification or systemic biases, in addition to those described specifically above.

BMC Infectious Diseases

There were indications that the investigators know from preliminary tests what kind of vehicle the bomb was attached to, but they declined to describe it specifically.

The New York Times

Her third LP, Ivy Tripp – a term Crutchfield made up to describe "directionlessness, specifically of the twentysomething, thirtysomething, fortysomething of today" – maintains a sense of sincerity throughout, letting her purge her own thoughts while providing a sanctuary for her listeners.

The Guardian - Music

This study uses a comprehensive literature review to describe strategies, specifically designed to manage MDMCs for effectiveness, and provides recommendations for sustainable management of these coasts.

Ocean & Coastal Management

A better way to answer is to describe more specifically what we actually did that resulted in turning the once dysfunctional disaster — GM's Fremont, California, plant — into a model manufacturing plant with the very same workers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to describe specifically", ensure that the subsequent description is indeed detailed and leaves no room for ambiguity. Avoid vague language or generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "to describe specifically" if you don't intend to provide a truly detailed account. If you only offer a general overview, choose a less emphatic phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to describe specifically" functions as an infinitive phrase that modifies a verb. It indicates the manner in which an action (usually another verb) should be performed, emphasizing the need for a detailed and precise description. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to describe specifically" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that emphasizes the need for detailed and precise descriptions. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts. When writing, ensure that you provide an appropriately detailed account after using this phrase to meet the expectation of thoroughness. Alternative phrases like "to detail precisely" or "to specify clearly" can be used for similar effect, as appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to detail precisely

Emphasizes accuracy and thoroughness in providing details.

to specify clearly

Focuses on eliminating ambiguity through explicit specification.

to define exactly

Highlights the need for a precise and unambiguous definition.

to delineate sharply

Implies creating a clear and distinct boundary through description.

to articulate particularly

Stresses the skill of expressing something with clarity and detail.

to explain comprehensively

Focuses on providing a complete and thorough explanation.

to illustrate exhaustively

Suggests providing numerous examples to fully explain something.

to characterize distinctively

Emphasizes highlighting unique characteristics through description.

to present minutely

Highlights the inclusion of very small details in the presentation.

to portray meticulously

Focuses on showing something with great attention to detail and precision.

FAQs

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

Use "to describe specifically" when you want to emphasize the importance of providing a detailed and precise description. For instance, "The report asks us to describe specifically the steps taken during the experiment."

What are some alternatives to "to describe specifically"?

You can use alternatives like "to detail precisely", "to specify clearly", or "to define exactly" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "specifically" after "describe"?

While "describe" already implies some level of detail, using "specifically" emphasizes the need for a particularly precise and unambiguous account. It adds emphasis rather than being strictly redundant.

When should I avoid using "to describe specifically"?

Avoid using "to describe specifically" in contexts where a general overview is sufficient. It's best suited for situations requiring meticulous detail and clarity.