was specified by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was specified by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something was defined or detailed by a particular source or individual. Example: "The requirements for the project were specified by the project manager during the initial meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Severe distraction from interpersonal relationships leading to a negative impact in familial communications was specified by 60 participants.

The Guardian - Tech

Here's the CBO explanation: The path for revenues as a percentage of GDP was specified by Chairman Ryan's staff.

The New York Times

The exact content of the curriculum was specified by the ruler, but oratory, history, tradition, formal ethics, poetry, and the art of good conversation were often included.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even the number of paper towels and liquid soap squirts one should use in the bathroom was specified, by way of a sing-songy chant: "One, two is enough for you".

The New York Times

As with most such studies, the fatness and thinness of the participants was specified by their body mass index, defined as their weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height, measured in meters.

The New York Times

Should a spouse die, their half of the house does not automatically pass to the survivor, even if that wish was specified by him or her in a will.

The Guardian

The loading contact area was specified by AASHTO (AASHTO 2004).

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

The overall performance was specified by choosing proper weight functions.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

The outlet boundary condition was specified by the outflow.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Each medium was specified by a relative permittivity, ε.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The information was specified by product/sales manager of Invenco.

Journal of Big Data

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was specified by" when you need to clearly indicate the source or authority that defined a particular parameter, requirement, or condition. This adds credibility and transparency to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "was specified by". While appropriate in formal contexts, overuse can make your writing sound stiff and less direct. Consider rephrasing to active voice where possible for improved clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was specified by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that an action (specifying) was performed on a subject by a particular agent. Ludwig examples show its use in various scientific and formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was specified by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction. Ludwig AI confirms it to be correct and usable in written English. It serves to clearly indicate the source of a definition, requirement, or condition, making it especially useful in formal, scientific, and technical contexts. While generally acceptable, it's important to avoid overusing passive voice and to consider active voice alternatives where appropriate for improved clarity. Top authoritative sources includes The New York Times, The Guardian and Encyclopedia Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was defined by

Focuses on the act of clearly stating the meaning or scope.

was determined by

Emphasizes the process of finding something out definitively, suggesting an investigation or calculation.

was dictated by

Highlights a mandatory or authoritative specification, leaving less room for deviation.

was designated by

Implies a formal assignment or naming of something for a specific purpose.

was prescribed by

Indicates that a rule, treatment, or action has been officially recommended or ordered.

was stipulated by

Focuses on conditions or terms that are explicitly stated in an agreement or contract.

was set by

Highlights the act of establishing a limit, standard, or value.

was outlined by

Refers to a summary or general plan that has been provided, lacking specific detail.

was indicated by

Suggests a sign or piece of information points towards a particular conclusion.

was governed by

Implies a set of rules or principles that control how something operates.

FAQs

How can I use "was specified by" in a sentence?

Use "was specified by" to indicate that something was defined or determined by a particular source or authority. For example, "The dimensions of the component "were specified by" the engineering team".

What are some alternatives to "was specified by"?

Alternatives include "was defined by", "was determined by", or "was dictated by" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was specified by"?

While "was specified by" is inherently passive, consider whether an active voice construction would be clearer. For example, instead of "The method "was specified by" the protocol", you could write "The protocol specified the method".

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "was specified by"?

The phrase "was specified by" is particularly useful in formal, technical, or scientific writing where it's important to clearly attribute the source of a particular specification or requirement.