which specifies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which specifies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a clause that provides additional information or clarification about a noun mentioned earlier in the sentence. Example: "The document includes a section which specifies the requirements for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Another important document is a living will, which specifies which medical procedures may or may not be done.

The New York Times

Tells about adopttion certificate which specifies striped bass tag number, birthplace, birth date, date and site of release.

The New Yorker

The bill, which specifies that abortion care should not be mentioned when discussing healthcare options for pregnant women, will now go before Governor Nathan Deal for his signature.

The Guardian

Start is also important because the 2002 Moscow Treaty (also known as Sort), which specifies further reductions, incorporates its verification measures.

The Guardian - Opinion

New York's IFC Center is flouting the film's NC-17 rating, which specifies that children under the age of 17 should not be permitted entry.

The Guardian - Film

If the guard behind the mirror didn't recognize you, you had to hold up your Turkish I.D., which specifies the bearer's religion.

The New Yorker

Investors can place several bids, each of which specifies a desired number of shares and a price the bidder is willing to pay.

The New York Times

Hawaii passed legislation this year giving great weight to a patient's "comfort care" document, which specifies the patient's preferences in dire medical situations.

The New York Times - Health

We use the every trigger which specifies periodic time events.

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

This makes it analogous to the moral principle (U), which specifies (D) for moral discourse.

SEP

First, an implementation strategy which specifies how the distributed filters should communicate is designed.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which specifies" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause, providing additional details about a noun that isn't essential for identifying it. Ensure the clause is set off with commas.

Common error

Avoid using "that specifies" when introducing a nonrestrictive clause. "Which specifies" is appropriate when the information is additional and not essential to the sentence's core meaning. If the clause is essential, use "that" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which specifies" functions as a relative clause, introducing additional information about a preceding noun. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The relative clause serves to define or clarify an aspect of the noun it modifies, adding detail to its description.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which specifies" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construct that introduces nonrestrictive clauses, providing supplementary details about a noun. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for use in English. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, this phrase effectively clarifies and adds specificity to subjects in both formal and semi-formal discourse. When employing "which specifies", remember to offset it with commas and differentiate its use from "that specifies" to maintain grammatical accuracy. Alternative phrases like "that defines" or "that details" can be used depending on the nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that defines

Focuses more on defining characteristics or essential qualities.

that details

Emphasizes providing thorough information or a comprehensive account.

that stipulates

Highlights the imposition of a condition or requirement.

that designates

Centers on assigning a specific role, name, or function.

that identifies

Focuses on pinpointing or recognizing something specific.

that clarifies

Highlights the action of making something easier to understand.

which outlines

Provides a summary or the main features of something.

which dictates

Emphasizes the power or authority in determining something.

which prescribes

Centers around suggesting or recommending a course of action.

that elucidates

Highlights a more elaborate clarification of something complex.

FAQs

How do I use "which specifies" in a sentence?

Use "which specifies" to add extra, non-essential information about a noun. Make sure to set off the clause with commas. For example, "The contract, which specifies the payment terms, was signed yesterday."

What's a good alternative to "which specifies"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "that defines", "that details", or "that stipulates".

Is it correct to use "that specifies" instead of "which specifies"?

While both can be used, "which specifies" is best for nonrestrictive clauses (those that add extra information), while "that specifies" is better for restrictive clauses (those essential to the meaning of the sentence).

What's the difference between "which specifies" and "which describes"?

"Which specifies" implies a level of detail and precision, often related to rules or conditions. "Which describes" is more general, simply indicating what something is like without necessarily implying rules or conditions.