Cool MateCould you be slightly more specific vs Detail
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Could you be slightly more specific
Top 2,000 (common)
Detail
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Most common: Detail
| Could you be slightly more specific | Detail | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kəd juː biː ˈslaɪtli mɔː sɪˈspɛɪfɪk//🇺🇸 //kəd ju bi ˈslaɪtli mɔr spəˈsɪfɪk// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈdiːteɪl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈdiːteɪl//dɪˈteɪl/"]/ |
| Meaning | Can you give a clearer or more detailed answer? | A small part of something that adds to the whole. |
| Example | Could you be slightly more specific about the project's timeline? | Please remember to include every detail in your report. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A1 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | be specific about, more specific details, specific instructions, specific examples, specific timeframe | little, minor, minute, point, wealth, level, give, go into, offer, emerge, suggest something, reveal something, for details, in detail, over a/the detail, attention to detail, down to the last detail, every last detail, little, minor, minute, point, wealth, level, give, go into, offer, emerge, suggest something, reveal something, for details, in detail, over a/the detail, attention to detail, down to the last detail, every last detail, little, minor, minute, point, wealth, level, give, go into, offer, emerge, suggest something, reveal something, for details, in detail, over a/the detail, attention to detail, down to the last detail, every last detail, little, minor, minute, point, wealth, level, give, go into, offer, emerge, suggest something, reveal something, for details, in detail, over a/the detail, attention to detail, down to the last detail, every last detail |
| Antonyms | - | generality, broadness |
| Common mistakes | Using 'specific' without 'more' can sound abrupt., Adding unnecessary words makes it less direct., Assuming the speaker understands your request without asking first. | Confused with 'detailed', which is an adjective., Using 'detail' as a verb and forgetting the object., Mispronouncing it by stressing the wrong syllable. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase when asking someone to clarify or elaborate. It's polite and suitable for formal and casual contexts. | Use 'detail' when discussing parts of an explanation or description. Avoid using it in very casual conversations unless discussing specifics. |
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Frequently asked questions: Could you be slightly more specific vs Detail
What's the difference between Could you be slightly more specific and Detail?
Could you be slightly more specific: Can you give a clearer or more detailed answer? Detail: A small part of something that adds to the whole.
Which is more common: Could you be slightly more specific and Detail?
Detail is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Could you be slightly more specific: Could you be slightly more specific about the project's timeline? Detail: Please remember to include every detail in your report.
Can I use Could you be slightly more specific and Detail interchangeably?
Not always. Could you be slightly more specific and Detail are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.