very specific about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very specific about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that someone has clear and detailed information or requirements regarding a particular topic. Example: "The client was very specific about the design elements they wanted in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That was one of the first things that I was very specific about," he said.

The New York Times

It's something very specific about creativity.

Harvard Business Review

Weber is very specific about this.

Yale University

They are very specific about checkpoints, people, ratlines and targets".

The New York Times

Some manufacturers are very specific about installation procedures.

The New York Times

Jim is very specific about who can shoot the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

Be very specific about what it is that you value.

Harvard Business Review

I said that; I was very specific about that.

Independent

"I think we have got to be very specific about what we are talking about.

The Guardian - Sport

Mitchell advised delegates to be very specific about what support they needed when approaching UKTI.

The Guardian

"It's saying something very specific about fascism born of frustration," says Leigh.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions or requirements, use "very specific about" to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings. This is especially useful in technical, legal, or academic writing where precision is crucial.

Common error

While "very specific about" is useful for emphasis, avoid overusing it, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "detailed" or "explicit" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very specific about" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates the degree to which someone provides or requires detailed and precise information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

26%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very specific about" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize the need for or provision of detailed information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most frequently found in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. To avoid repetition, consider alternatives such as "highly detailed concerning" or "explicit about". When writing, ensure to be clear and intentional about using this phrase, and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular about

Emphasizes being selective and attentive to detail.

extremely clear about

Focuses on clarity and understanding rather than detailed specification.

explicit about

Focuses on direct and unambiguous communication.

highly detailed concerning

Emphasizes the level of detail involved, rather than the act of being specific.

exact concerning

Emphasizes precision and accuracy in relation to a particular subject.

unequivocal regarding

Indicates a lack of ambiguity, highlighting certainty in one's statements or requirements.

careful to specify

Highlights the caution and deliberate effort in providing details.

precisely defined in relation to

Highlights the accuracy and exactness of the definition, often in a formal context.

detailed in

Highlights level of detail of some kind of information.

insisted on

Emphasizes firm and persistent demands or requirements.

FAQs

How can I use "very specific about" in a sentence?

Use "very specific about" to indicate that someone is providing or requires precise and detailed information. For example, "The instructions were "very specific about" the measurements".

What does it mean to be "very specific about" something?

To be "very specific about" something means to provide or require a high level of detail and precision, leaving little room for ambiguity or misinterpretation.

Which is correct: "very specific about" or "very specific on"?

"Very specific about" is the correct and more common usage. "Very specific on" is less idiomatic and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What are some alternatives to "very specific about"?

Alternatives include "highly detailed concerning", "extremely clear about", or "explicit about" depending on the context.