unable to specify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'unable to specify' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are unable to provide a definite answer to a question or provide additional information. For example, "When asked what caused the power outage, the spokesperson was unable to specify."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Jay," his mother said in a warning tone, unable to specify a crime.

The New Yorker

One thing all three main parties support is a bill of rights, but all seem unable to specify its contents.

The Guardian - Opinion

The former chancellor said Holyrood would get substantial powers over the tax, but was left unable to specify them.

The Guardian

Officer Wendy Reyes, an LAPD spokesperson, told The Independent that she was unable to specify the nature of the threat.

Independent

The I.R.S. was unable to specify yesterday how much higher corporate profits were in reports to shareholders than they were on the companies' tax returns.

The New York Times

Due to the nature of the debt market, the group is unable to specify whose debt it purchases, taking on the amounts before it discovers individuals' identities.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

In this paper we propose methods of output analysis for terminating simulations when the researcher is unable to fully specify the initial state of the simulation using observations of the real system.

Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory

The validity of interpreting experimental φ-values as the fraction of native contacts made by a residue in the TSE was explored, revealing that this definition is unable to uniquely specify a TSE.

Journal of Molecular Biology

Without the ability to defer the launch to a specified time, developers are unable to set embargo times and pre-brief press.

TechCrunch

Many respondents believed that contemporary cutting was introduced by 'outsiders' or 'foreigners', although they were often unable or unwilling to specify or to articulate this belief more fully.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

The I.R.S. was unable to state yesterday what policy it has on responding to letters asking it to specify the law that makes people liable for income taxes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unable to specify" when you genuinely lack the information to provide a precise answer, avoiding vagueness or speculation.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to specify" as a default response when more information could be obtained with further investigation. Always strive for clarity and detail when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to specify" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase followed by an infinitive verb, modifying a subject by expressing their inability to provide specific details or information. Ludwig AI validates the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unable to specify" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express an inability to provide precise details. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and can be widely used in formal writing. It is found in a multitude of domains such as news media and scientific publications to express uncertainty or lack of specific data. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously and ensure that every effort has been made to gather more specific information. Related phrases, such as "cannot define" or "cannot determine", can offer more precise nuances depending on the nature of the missing details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot define

Focuses on the lack of a clear definition.

cannot determine

Highlights the inability to ascertain something.

cannot identify

Indicates an inability to recognize or distinguish.

cannot pinpoint

Emphasizes the lack of precision in identifying something.

cannot ascertain

Stresses the difficulty in finding something out for certain.

unable to delineate

Highlights the lack of clarity in defining boundaries or distinctions.

fail to detail

Focuses on omitting specific details.

unable to elucidate

Emphasizes the inability to make something clear or explain it.

unable to articulate

Stresses an inability to express something clearly in words.

cannot lay out

Focuses on the inability to present something in a clear and organized manner.

FAQs

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

You can use "unable to specify" to indicate a lack of specific knowledge about something. For example: "The witness was "unable to specify" the make and model of the car."

What are some alternatives to "unable to specify"?

Alternatives include "cannot define", "cannot determine", or "cannot pinpoint", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "unable to specify" or "failed to specify"?

"Unable to specify" indicates a current lack of ability, while "failed to specify" implies a past attempt that was unsuccessful. The best choice depends on whether the inability is ongoing or a result of a previous failure.

What's the difference between "unable to specify" and "declined to specify"?

"Unable to specify" means someone lacks the knowledge to provide details. "Declined to specify" means someone knows the details but is choosing not to reveal them.