I apologize for the imprecise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I apologize for the imprecise" is not correct in English as it is incomplete.
You can use it when you want to express regret for a lack of precision, but it needs to be followed by a noun or phrase to clarify what is imprecise. Example: "I apologize for the imprecise information I provided earlier."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Instead, readers are served a steaming bowl of vitriol — I apologize for the imprecise metaphor — that even includes petty complaints about the books' titles.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I apologize for the inconvenience!

Harvard University

I apologize for the quality.

Princeton University

I apologize for the delay.

The New York Times

I apologize for the short notice.

Stanford University

Again, I apologize for the prolonged downtime.

University of California, Berkeley

I apologize for the intrusion.

The New Yorker

"I apologize for the way it happened.

The New York Times

I'm sorry, I apologize for the paper but otherwise I'll just bore you all.

Independent

I apologize for the way I handled my leave.

The New York Times

I apologize for the mistake.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always follow the phrase "I apologize for the imprecise" with a noun or phrase to clarify what exactly lacks precision. For example, "I apologize for the imprecise data."

Common error

Avoid using "I apologize for the imprecise" without specifying what is imprecise. This leaves the apology vague and unclear. Ensure you clearly state what you are apologizing for, such as "I apologize for the imprecise wording."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I apologize for the imprecise" serves as an introductory expression of regret. However, it is grammatically incomplete without specifying what is imprecise. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase requires a noun or phrase to clarify the subject of the apology.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I apologize for the imprecise" is used to express regret for a lack of precision but is grammatically incomplete without specifying what lacks precision. Ludwig AI highlights that it needs to be followed by a noun or phrase. It's a relatively rare phrase, as evidenced by the limited number of examples found. When used, it often appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts. For clearer and more effective communication, it's recommended to use alternative phrases like "I apologize for the lack of precision" or "I apologize for the vagueness", or to complete the original phrase with a noun such as "I apologize for the imprecise data".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I apologize for the lack of precision

This alternative more directly states that the apology is for the absence of exactness.

I apologize for the inexactness

This uses a more formal synonym for 'imprecise', maintaining a similar tone and meaning.

I apologize for the ambiguity

This shifts the focus to the potential for multiple interpretations due to a lack of clarity.

I apologize for the vagueness

This highlights the lack of specific detail in the information provided.

I regret the lack of specificity

This offers a more formal expression of regret, emphasizing the absence of detailed information.

I apologize for not being more specific

This takes personal responsibility for the lack of detail.

I apologize if I was unclear

This focuses on the speaker's potential failure to communicate clearly.

I apologize for the inaccuracy

This suggests that the information provided was not correct or factual.

I apologize for the error

This acknowledges a mistake in the information provided, regardless of precision.

Please excuse the lack of detail

This offers a more informal way to ask for forgiveness for the absence of specific information.

FAQs

What's wrong with saying "I apologize for the imprecise"?

The phrase "I apologize for the imprecise" is grammatically incomplete. It needs to be followed by a noun or phrase specifying what is imprecise. For example, "I apologize for the "imprecise data"" is a complete and correct sentence.

What can I say instead of "I apologize for the imprecise"?

You can use alternatives like "I apologize for the "lack of precision"", "I apologize for the "vagueness"", or "I apologize for the "ambiguity"", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "I apologize for the imprecise information" or "I apologize for the lack of precise information"?

"I apologize for the "imprecise information"" is generally more concise and natural. Both are grammatically correct, but the former is preferred for its directness.

How can I make my apologies more effective after acknowledging imprecision?

After apologizing for imprecision, provide corrected or clarified information if possible. Offer additional details, sources, or context to rectify the lack of clarity and demonstrate your commitment to accuracy.