were not specified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were not specified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that certain details or information were not provided or mentioned. Example: "The requirements for the project were not specified, leaving the team uncertain about the next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Seasons were not specified.

The New York Times

The violations were not specified.

Independent

The problems were not specified.

The New York Times

Details of the offenses were not specified.

The New York Times

The model years were not specified.

The New York Times

The government's website said the charges were not specified.

The Guardian

Their new posts or roles were not specified.

The New York Times

The location and date of the drill were not specified.

The New York Times

Those observers and their nationalities were not specified.

The New York Times

"They were supposed to carry out several flights from Ukraine, but the routes were not specified".

The New York Times

Mr. Sinnreich said that because the terms were not specified, it is unclear how much the copyright holders will receive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were not specified", ensure that the context clearly indicates what information is missing and why its absence is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "were not specified" repeatedly without providing context or explaining the implications of the missing information. Instead, focus on clarifying why the information is relevant and its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were not specified" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (details, requirements, etc.) did not receive specification. It's commonly used to highlight missing or undefined information, as evidenced by examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were not specified" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate a lack of detail or explicit information. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its primary function is to denote that certain aspects have been left undefined or unmentioned. Predominantly found in scientific and news media contexts, as shown by Ludwig, it maintains a neutral to slightly formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure contextual clarity to maximize communicative effectiveness. Alternatives such as "were not detailed" or "remained unstated" can be used to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were not detailed

Focuses on the lack of thoroughness in providing information.

were not identified

Emphasizes that the items or elements in question remained unknown or unrevealed.

were not defined

Highlights the absence of a clear or precise definition.

were not disclosed

Indicates that the information was kept secret or not made public.

were not outlined

Stresses the absence of a structured or organized presentation of information.

were not indicated

Suggests a lack of explicit pointing out or mentioning of certain aspects.

were not enumerated

Highlights the absence of a detailed list or count.

were not elucidated

Emphasizes the failure to make something clear or easy to understand.

remained unstated

Focuses on the fact that something was not explicitly expressed or communicated.

were left vague

Highlights the lack of precision or clarity in the information provided.

FAQs

How can I use "were not specified" in a sentence?

You can use "were not specified" to indicate that certain details or requirements were not mentioned or provided. For instance, "The exact dimensions of the room "were not specified" in the initial plans."

What are some alternatives to "were not specified"?

Alternatives include "were not detailed", "were not defined", or "remained unstated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "were not specified" or "were unspecified"?

"Were not specified" is generally preferred because it's more grammatically clear and commonly used. "Were unspecified" is less frequent and can sound awkward in some contexts.

What does it mean when requirements "were not specified"?

It means the necessary details or instructions "were not specified", leaving room for interpretation or potentially leading to misunderstandings or errors.