Is There a Comma After Specifically? Here Defined:

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Waqas Ashraf

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Comma After Specifically: Is there a comma after “specifically”? When it comes to using commas with the word “specifically,” many writers find themselves unsure about the correct punctuation rules.

In this article, we will explore whether you should use a comma after “specifically” to help you navigate this common grammar dilemma.

Table of Contents

Is There a Comma After Specifically?

No, you don’t necessarily need a comma after “specifically” in all cases.

Here’s how comma usage with “specifically” works:

When a Comma is Not Needed:

Most common: When “specifically” functions as an adverb modifying a verb or verb phrase, a comma usually isn’t needed.

Example: “They argued specifically about the budget.” (Modifies the verb “argued”)
Example: “The team will focus specifically on developing new marketing strategies.” (Modifies the verb phrase “will focus”)

Can You Start a Sentence with Specifically?

Yes, you can absolutely start a sentence with “specifically” depending on the context and your desired emphasis.

Here’s why:

Grammatically Correct: There’s no grammatical rule prohibiting starting a sentence with “specifically.”
Emphasis and Clarity: Starting with “specifically” can be a great way to bring focus and clarity to your sentence by highlighting the information that follows.

How Do You Use Specifically in The Middle of A Sentence?

You can effectively use “specifically” in the middle of a sentence to achieve a few things:

Highlight Specific Information: Placing “specifically” within a sentence allows you to pinpoint a particular detail you want to emphasize.

Example: “The team discussed the project timeline, specifically focusing on potential delays.” (Highlights the specific aspect of the timeline being discussed)
Example: “We need to improve customer service, specifically by responding to inquiries faster.” (Focuses on the specific way to improve)

Introduce an Appositive or Non-Essential Phrase: When “specifically” introduces an appositive phrase or non-essential information that clarifies or adds details, it’s usually set off by commas.

Example: “The meeting agenda, specifically, the topics for discussion, was emailed beforehand.” (Commas separate the non-essential appositive phrase)
Example: “They ordered different dishes, specifically, pasta, pizza, and salad.” (Commas separate the non-essential phrase listing the dishes)

How Do I Put More Specifically in A Sentence?

There are a few ways to put “more specifically” in a sentence to provide additional details or narrow down a broader concept.

Here are some options:

Highlight Specific Examples:

Simple and Clear: “They discussed ways to improve customer service, more specifically, by focusing on faster response times and better training for staff.”

Use Synonyms or Phrases:

More Precise: “They discussed ways to improve customer service, in more detail, focusing on faster response times and better training for staff.”

Use Transitional Phrases:

Connective: “They discussed ways to improve customer service. More specifically, they focused on faster response times and better training for staff.”

Use Bullet Points or Lists (for written communication):

Clear Breakdown: If you have multiple specific points, consider using a bulleted list after the initial statement to present them clearly.

Method	Example
Examples	They discussed customer service, more specifically, by focusing on faster response times and better training for staff.
Synonyms/Phrases	They discussed customer service, in more detail, focusing on faster response times and better training for staff.
Transitional Phrases	They discussed ways to improve customer service. More specifically, they focused on faster response times and better training for staff.
Bullet Points	They discussed ways to improve customer service. More specifically: * Faster response times * Better training for staff

How Do You Use Specifically and Especially?

“Specifically” and “especially” are both adverbs used to emphasize something, but they have slightly different nuances.

Here’s a breakdown of how to use them effectively:

Specifically:

Highlights Specific Details: Use “specifically” to pinpoint a particular aspect or detail you want to draw attention to.

Example: “The new policy, specifically the dress code section, caused some confusion.” (Focuses on a specific part of the policy)
Example: “We need to improve customer service, specifically by responding to inquiries faster.” (Highlights the specific action for improvement)

Especially:

Emphasizes Importance or Degree: “Especially” is used to emphasize the importance or exceptional degree of something.

Example: “The hike was challenging, especially the last climb.” (Highlights the most challenging part)
Example: “She’s a talented artist, especially her work with watercolors.” (Emphasizes her particular talent)

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:

Usage	Specifically	Especially
Function	Highlights specific details	Emphasizes importance/degree
Examples	Focus on a particular aspect	Highlight something exceptional
Contrast	Not typically used for contrast	Can be used for contrast

What Is a Formal Way to Say Specifically?

Here are some formal ways to say “specifically” that can enhance your writing or speech:

Emphasize Specific Details:

In particular: This phrase highlights a specific point or detail you want to draw attention to.
More precisely: This emphasizes the need for greater accuracy or exactness in the information that follows.
To be exact: This formally introduces a specific detail or clarification.

Focus on Specific Examples:

For instance: This phrase introduces a specific example that illustrates the broader point.
As an illustration: This formally introduces a specific example to provide a clearer picture.

What Is the Difference Between Specific and Specifically?

Feature	Specific	Specifically
Part of Speech	Adjective	Adverb
Function	Describes a noun or pronoun	Modifies a verb, verb phrase, adjective, or another adverb
Emphasis	Emphasizes the concreteness or exactness of something	Emphasizes a particular detail or aspect of something
Position in Sentence	Usually precedes the noun it describes	Can appear in various positions in a sentence depending on what it modifies
Examples	I received specific instructions. (Describes the instructions) We need a specific solution. (Describes the solution)	The team discussed the project, specifically focusing on the budget. (Modifies the verb phrase “focusing on the budget”) Specifically, I’d like to discuss the marketing plan. (Modifies the verb “like”)

Conclusion and Final Thoughts!

After examining various writing style guides and considering the rules surrounding comma usage, it is evident that there is no definitive rule mandating a comma after “specifically.”

While some sources recommend using a comma for clarity or emphasis, others argue that it may disrupt the flow of the sentence.

Ultimately, writers should prioritize consistency within their own work and adhere to the guidelines set forth by their chosen style guide.

Whether to include a comma after “specifically” remains a stylistic choice rather than a strict grammatical rule.