to specify using

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to specify using" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate the method or manner in which something is being specified or detailed. Example: "In the report, we need to specify using clear examples to illustrate our points."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

You have to specify, using a different verbal form, whether this was directly experienced (you saw the animal passing), inferred (you saw footprints), conjectured (animals generally pass there that time of day), hearsay or such.

The New York Times - Magazine

(The user has the option to specify using the taxonomic group two or more levels up, instead).

Plosone

Choices were presented as the branded names and included "Actonel", "Boniva", "Evista", "Forteo", "Fosamax", "Fosamax Plus D", "Miacalcin", "hormonal treatment", and "Other" (asked to specify using free text).

BMC Women's Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He said they should be willing to specify use of American ships when the quality of service was first rate and rates were the same as foreign competitors.

The New York Times

COSY's existing internal procedures were modified to allow electrostatic elements to be specified using an array of field potential data from the midplane.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

To be able to use a model checker, requirements need to be specified using a formal language.

Journal of Visual Languages & Computing

Arithmetic operations on species and parameters are overloaded, allowing arbitrary reaction formulas to be specified using Python syntax.

Yale University

Some pesticide labels in Australia already require certain droplet size spectra to be specified using this standard.

Crop Protection

The modifications to the model are specified using a triple-graph grammar.

University of California, Berkeley

The callee returns by popping the return address from the stack and jumping to the location it specifies, using the 80x86 RET instruction.

Stanford University

To that end, the developer specified using coal ash in the building's columns.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to specify using", ensure that the method or tool you are specifying is clearly linked to the element being defined. For example, "To specify the color using hexadecimal codes ensures accuracy."

Common error

Avoid using "to specify using" in sentences where a simpler alternative like "to specify with" or "to define by" would suffice. Overcomplicating simple descriptions can make your writing sound verbose and less clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to specify using" functions as an infinitive verb phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It indicates the manner or method by which something is being specified, providing additional detail about the action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

Academia

30%

News & Media

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to specify using" is a grammatically correct and commonly used infinitive phrase that serves to clarify the method by which something is being specified. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and it is suitable for contexts where precision is important, such as scientific, academic, and technical writing. While versatile, it's important to ensure that its use enhances clarity rather than adding unnecessary complexity, as simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in some situations. Frequency analysis indicates its common presence across various fields, reinforcing its widespread acceptance. Best practices involve ensuring a clear link between the specification and the method being used, while avoiding overuse in contexts where simpler phrasing would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to define with

Replaces 'specify' with 'define' to emphasize clarity and precision, and changes 'using' to 'with' for brevity.

to detail by means of

Substitutes 'specify' with 'detail' to highlight thoroughness, and replaces 'using' with 'by means of' for a more formal tone.

to indicate through

Emphasizes pointing something out via a specific method.

to stipulate via

Replaces 'specify' with 'stipulate' to suggest a more formal or contractual agreement, and uses 'via' instead of 'using'.

to designate employing

Uses 'designate' to focus on the act of assigning a specific characteristic, and 'employing' as a synonym for 'using'.

to prescribe utilizing

Substitutes 'specify' with 'prescribe' implying a rule or guideline, and 'utilizing' for 'using' for a formal tone.

to elucidate through

Highlights clarification by means of something specific.

to delineate with the help of

Suggests using clear boundaries or outlines, and 'with the help of' replaces 'using' for emphasis on assistance.

to characterize by means of

Focuses on describing the qualities of something, and replaces 'using' with 'by means of' for formality.

to set forth via

Replaces 'specify' with 'set forth' to suggest laying out details, and uses 'via' instead of 'using' for brevity.

FAQs

How can I use "to specify using" in a sentence?

You can use "to specify using" to indicate the method by which something is being defined or detailed. For example, "The instructions detail how to specify the font using CSS."

What are some alternatives to "to specify using"?

Alternatives include "to define with", "to detail by means of", or "to indicate through", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "to specify using"?

Yes, "to specify using" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

What is the difference between "to specify using" and "to specify with"?

"To specify using" emphasizes the process or tool employed, while "to specify with" simply indicates the instrument or means. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the method or just the tool. For example, "specify using examples" vs "specify with examples".