you are specific

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "you are specific" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has provided clear and detailed information or instructions. Example: "In your feedback, you are specific about the areas that need improvement, which helps us understand your expectations better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It's all very boring to your readers, but unless you are specific you don't get anywhere..

The New Yorker

You can even be brief as long as you are specific.

Huffington Post

If you are specific about the child you want to adopt (think no health issues, specific race, specific ethnicity), then are you really sure you are in the right mental space to adopt?

Huffington Post

Make sure you are specific as possible.

WikiHow

Make sure that you are specific (A 777-200 is different from a 777-300).

WikiHow

For a limited power of attorney, be sure you are specific in the powers you are and are not delegating.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

So you were specific in departing from jam bands to finding artists who might interpret the Dead differently?

The Guardian - Music

"I think it makes it easier for them if you're specific about it," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

"The key point when you're specific is that you're accountable," said Robert E. Merrick, a 49-year-old physician who attended today's rally in Quincy.

The New York Times

Make sure you're specific about how you break down your pricing schemes and demonstrate how your market is anxiously awaiting your arrival.

The Guardian

Two years from now? Can you be specific?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or technical documents, ensure that "you are specific" with the terms and conditions to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes.

Common error

Avoid giving vague feedback like "it's good" or "it's bad". Instead, "be specific" and explain exactly what aspects worked well or need improvement to provide more constructive advice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you are specific" functions as an affirmation or instruction, indicating that the subject is providing or should provide clear and detailed information. As demonstrated in Ludwig, the phrase emphasizes the importance of clarity in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "you are specific" is used to emphasize clarity and detail in communication. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and its frequent use in news, media, and wiki contexts. To enhance communication, it is recommended to "be specific" when giving instructions or feedback and to avoid vague statements. Related phrases such as "you are precise" and "you are detailed" can be used for variety. Ludwig also underlines that "you are specific" serves to affirm or instruct clarity is a range of communicative scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you are precise

Replaces 'specific' with 'precise', emphasizing accuracy and exactness.

you are detailed

Replaces 'specific' with 'detailed', highlighting the inclusion of comprehensive information.

you are exact

Substitutes 'specific' with 'exact', stressing the accuracy and correctness of the information provided.

you are explicit

Replaces 'specific' with 'explicit', emphasizing clarity and directness.

you are clear

Substitutes 'specific' with 'clear', which focuses on the ease of understanding.

you are unambiguous

Replaces 'specific' with 'unambiguous', emphasizing the absence of multiple interpretations.

you are meticulous

Substitutes 'specific' with 'meticulous', which focuses on thoroughness and attention to detail.

you are thorough

Replaces 'specific' with 'thorough', focusing on completeness and comprehensiveness.

you are definite

Substitutes 'specific' with 'definite', stressing certainty and clarity.

you are circumstantial

Replaces 'specific' with 'circumstantial', highlighting attention to details and circumstances.

FAQs

How can I ask someone to be more specific?

You can ask them to "be more specific", "provide more details", or "clarify their statement". You could also say, "Can "you elaborate" on that?" or "Could "you provide more context"?"

What does it mean when someone says "you are specific"?

It means that "you are being clear" and providing detailed information, leaving little room for ambiguity. It indicates that "you are being precise" in your communication.

Is it better to be general or specific?

It depends on the situation. In some cases, generality is useful for broad understanding, but in many situations, especially when giving instructions or feedback, it is better to "be specific" to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings. For example, if "you are giving directions", be as specific as possible.

What's the difference between being specific and being detailed?

While both terms relate to providing information, being "specific" focuses on precision and particularity, while being "detailed" emphasizes comprehensiveness and thoroughness. "You can be specific" without necessarily being detailed, and vice versa.