More specifically
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use it to bridge the gap between a broad concept and a specific, actionable detail.
In 15 Sekunden
- A verbal zoom lens to move from general to specific ideas.
- Used to clarify details and prevent any possible confusion.
- Common in professional, academic, and serious everyday conversations.
Bedeutung
Think of this phrase as a zoom lens for your conversation. You use it when you've just said something general and want to give the exact, tiny details so there is no confusion.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Explaining a food allergy at a restaurant
I am allergic to nuts; more specifically, I cannot eat walnuts or pecans.
I am allergic to nuts; more specifically, I cannot eat walnuts or pecans.
Discussing weekend plans with a friend
I want to go hiking this weekend. More specifically, I was thinking of the Blue Ridge trail.
I want to go hiking this weekend. More specifically, I was thinking of the Blue Ridge trail.
In a formal business meeting
We need to cut costs. More specifically, we should look at our travel budget.
We need to cut costs. More specifically, we should look at our travel budget.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This phrase reflects the Western cultural emphasis on 'low-context' communication, where the speaker is responsible for being as clear as possible. It became a staple of academic and professional English because it mimics the scientific method of narrowing down variables. In modern corporate culture, it is often used to pivot from 'big picture' dreaming to 'actionable' details.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after `More specifically` when it starts a sentence. It gives the listener a tiny half-second to prepare for the details.
Don't Over-Zoom
If you use this phrase for every sentence, you'll sound like a robot. Save it for when the detail actually matters!
In 15 Sekunden
- A verbal zoom lens to move from general to specific ideas.
- Used to clarify details and prevent any possible confusion.
- Common in professional, academic, and serious everyday conversations.
What It Means
Imagine you are showing a friend a map. You point to a whole country first. Then you point to one tiny street. More specifically is that finger movement. It tells your listener to pay closer attention now. You are narrowing the focus of the conversation. It is the zoom button on your mental camera. You use it to clarify a broad statement. It helps you move from a big idea to a specific fact.
How To Use It
Use it after you make a general statement. You start with a big, broad sentence. Then you follow up with more specifically to add details. It usually starts a new sentence. You can also put it after a comma. It acts as a bridge between a big cloud and a single raindrop. It makes your logic very easy to follow. Use it when you want to sound organized and clear.
When To Use It
Use it in business meetings to clarify your goals. It is perfect for explaining complex instructions to a colleague. Use it when you are talking about your hobbies. It helps if you are giving directions to a lost traveler. It is great for academic writing and essays. You can even use it when texting to avoid misunderstandings. It shows you are a precise and thoughtful communicator.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for very obvious things. If you say "I love food, more specifically things I eat," it sounds silly. Avoid it in very fast, slang-heavy chats with close friends. It might sound a bit too like a textbook at a loud party. Do not use it if you are being intentionally vague. It is a tool for clarity, not for mystery. If you use it too much, you might sound repetitive.
Cultural Background
Western communication styles often value directness and precision. Being clear is seen as being respectful of people's time. In English-speaking workplaces, logic and structure are very important. This phrase shows you have a structured mind. It is a hallmark of the 'Pyramid Principle' in business communication. It suggests you have done your homework and know your facts.
Common Variations
You might hear people say to be more precise. Some people prefer in particular for a similar effect. Specifically on its own works too, but it feels a bit shorter. A more casual version is to narrow it down. In academic circles, you might see to be more exact. All of these help you zoom in on the truth.
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase is most common in professional and academic writing, but it is perfectly natural in neutral spoken English. Use a comma after it when starting a sentence to ensure proper flow.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after `More specifically` when it starts a sentence. It gives the listener a tiny half-second to prepare for the details.
Don't Over-Zoom
If you use this phrase for every sentence, you'll sound like a robot. Save it for when the detail actually matters!
The 'Logic' Secret
In English, being 'specific' is often equated with being 'honest.' Using this phrase can actually make people trust your information more.
Beispiele
6I am allergic to nuts; more specifically, I cannot eat walnuts or pecans.
I am allergic to nuts; more specifically, I cannot eat walnuts or pecans.
The speaker narrows down the broad category of 'nuts' to specific types.
I want to go hiking this weekend. More specifically, I was thinking of the Blue Ridge trail.
I want to go hiking this weekend. More specifically, I was thinking of the Blue Ridge trail.
A friendly way to suggest a concrete plan after a general idea.
We need to cut costs. More specifically, we should look at our travel budget.
We need to cut costs. More specifically, we should look at our travel budget.
Transitions from a general goal to a specific target area.
I'm craving Italian. More specifically, that spicy pasta from the place on 5th.
I'm craving Italian. More specifically, that spicy pasta from the place on 5th.
Uses the phrase to make a clear decision in a casual setting.
You are very creative with your laundry. More specifically, you use the floor as a closet.
You are very creative with your laundry. More specifically, you use the floor as a closet.
Uses formal language to create a funny, sarcastic contrast.
I've been feeling overwhelmed lately. More specifically, I feel like I have no time for myself.
I've been feeling overwhelmed lately. More specifically, I feel like I have no time for myself.
Helps the speaker pinpoint the exact source of an emotion.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best phrase to clarify the general statement.
I love classic rock. ___, I've been listening to a lot of Led Zeppelin lately.
The second sentence provides a specific example of the 'classic rock' mentioned in the first sentence.
Fill in the blank to make the sentence more professional.
The software has a few bugs. ___, the login screen freezes on mobile devices.
This phrase professionally connects the general problem (bugs) to the exact issue (login screen freezing).
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of Clarification Phrases
Used with close friends.
Like...
Good for most situations.
Specifically,
Professional and clear.
More specifically,
Highly academic or legal.
To be more precise,
When to use 'More Specifically'
Job Interview
Explaining your exact role in a project.
Doctor's Visit
Describing exactly where the pain is.
Tech Support
Explaining the exact error message.
Planning a Date
Picking the exact time and restaurant.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenIt means you are moving from a general topic to a very particular detail. It's like saying Let me give you the exact details about what I just mentioned.
Not at all! You can use it in texts to be clear, like I'm late. More specifically, I'll be there in 10 minutes.
Yes, specifically works too. However, more specifically feels like a smoother bridge between two sentences.
It usually starts the second sentence. For example: I like sports. More specifically, I love basketball.
No, it actually sounds very organized. It shows you have a clear plan and aren't just talking aimlessly.
You could say I mean... or To be exact... in a casual conversation.
Usually no. You need to say something general first, then use this phrase to narrow it down.
They are very similar! In particular is often used at the end of a sentence, while more specifically starts one.
Yes, it is used frequently in both British and American English, especially in professional settings.
Yes, if it starts the sentence, a comma is standard. Example: More specifically, the red one.
Definitely. You can say I'm not happy. More specifically, I'm annoyed by the noise.
It makes you sound like a high-level speaker. It is a 'C1' level marker because it shows you can control the flow of information.
Verwandte Redewendungen
To be more precise
In particular
To narrow it down
Namely
Specifically
Kommentare (0)
Zum Kommentieren AnmeldenStarte kostenlos mit dem Sprachenlernen
Kostenlos Loslegen