what specific document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what specific document" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking for clarification about a particular document that is being referenced or discussed. Example: "Could you please clarify what specific document you are referring to in your email?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

After Brazile's piece appeared, there was some confusion as to what specific documents she referred.

The Washington Post

It is not known whom the subpoena targeted or what specific documents are being sought.

The New York Times - Sports

It is currently unclear to what extent and under what specific circumstances the documents might be binding on intensivists looking after legally incompetent patients.

Critical Care

While these studies did not document what specific goals the parents disengaged from or engaged in, the authors did suggest that the parents with better outcomes focused on self-defined high-priority goals of taking care of the sick child or family member while relinquishing lower priority goals (such as the parent's career goals).

BMC Palliative Care

The Committee is not entirely clear what specific need it has for these post-February 4 documents.

Huffington Post

Questions guiding this policy analysis were: What specific aspects of PHHR policy, planning, and management are discussed in BC and ON government and public health organization documents?

Human Resources for Health

But what specific plant?

The New York Times

What specific stars remains unclear.

The Guardian - Music

What specific products were involved?

Forbes

What specific Spielberg movie?

Huffington Post

What specific time?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what specific document", ensure the context clearly indicates that a particular document is already under discussion. This clarifies that you are seeking further details about that known document, not introducing a new one.

Common error

Avoid using "what specific document" when a general question about types of documents is more appropriate. For instance, instead of asking "What specific document do I need to apply?", ask "What documents do I need to apply?" to avoid sounding overly demanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what specific document" functions as an interrogative phrase, used to elicit more detailed information about a particular document. It assumes that a document is already under discussion and seeks to clarify which particular one is being referenced. Although Ludwig does not have exact examples, it confirms the phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what specific document" is grammatically correct and serves to request clarification about a particular document already under discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While the phrase has a neutral register suitable for various contexts, it's crucial to ensure the context clearly indicates an existing reference to a document. Alternatives such as "which particular document" or "what exact document" can be used to vary the phrasing while maintaining the same intent. Although Ludwig does not provide direct examples, the phrase's purpose is clearly to seek precise identification and avoid ambiguity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which particular document

Replaces "specific" with "particular", emphasizing the distinctiveness of the document.

what exact document

Substitutes "specific" with "exact", highlighting the precision required in identifying the document.

what precise document

Uses "precise" instead of "specific", stressing the need for accuracy in the document's identification.

what is the exact document you mean

Combines "exact" with a more direct questioning style.

what detailed document

Replaces "specific" with "detailed", focusing on the level of information contained within the document.

which document are you referring to

Shifts the focus to the act of referring to a document, rather than the document's specificity.

what document are we talking about

Changes the phrasing to emphasize the ongoing conversation about a document.

what is the document in question

Formalizes the question, emphasizing the document that is currently being discussed.

can you specify the document

Asks for a more detailed identification of the document.

what document are you alluding to

Uses "alluding to", suggesting the document is being indirectly referenced.

FAQs

How can I use "what specific document" in a sentence?

You can use "what specific document" to ask for clarification about a particular document already mentioned. For example, "You mentioned a contract; what specific document are you referring to?"

What can I say instead of "what specific document"?

You can use alternatives like "which particular document", "what exact document", or "which document are you referring to" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "what specific document"?

It's appropriate when you need clarification about a document that has already been mentioned or is clearly implied in the conversation. It helps narrow down the exact document being discussed.

What is the difference between "what specific document" and "what document"?

"What document" is a general inquiry about any document. "What specific document" implies you already know a document is relevant and want to know which exact one is being referred to.