"To be specific" vs "To be specifically"

Question

"To be specific" vs "To be specifically"

Both 'to be specific' and 'to be specifically' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'To be specific' is more commonly used and is the correct choice when providing precise details or information. On the other hand, 'to be specifically' is less common and is used when emphasizing a particular aspect or detail.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

Use 'to be specific' when you want to provide exact or detailed information about something.

Examples:

To be specific, we need the report by 3 p.m. tomorrow.
Can you be more specific about the type of assistance you need?
To be specific, the project deadline is next Friday.
I want to be specific about the requirements for the job.
To be specific, the event will start at 7 p.m.

Alternatives:

specifically
in particular
to be precise
to be exact
to be clear

Use 'to be specifically' when you want to emphasize a particular detail or aspect of something.

Examples:

I want to be specifically clear about the terms of the agreement.
To be specifically honest, I don't think that's a good idea.
She asked me to be specifically careful with the fragile items.
To be specifically clear, we expect everyone to attend the meeting.
He mentioned the issue to be specifically related to the software.

Alternatives:

specifically
in particular
to be precise
to be exact
to be clear

Answer 1

To be specific

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when providing precise details or information.

Answer 2

To be specifically

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English. It is used to emphasize a particular aspect or detail.

"To be specific" vs "To be specifically"

To be specific

To be specifically

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