I recall precisely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I recall precisely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the accuracy of your memory regarding a specific event or detail. Example: "I recall precisely the moment when we first met, as if it were yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I don't recall precisely how I learned that he was killed," Mr. Rumsfeld said of Corporal Tillman early in the hearing.

The New York Times

I can't recall precisely what we talked about, but I left very impressed by that fact she didn't watch TV and was a vegetarian.

The Guardian - Opinion

I could (and did) sit there for hours talking to the bartender, Yonaton, fresh from five years in the military and ready for university, and to Michael, a photographer, tech expert and alleged cousin to Abe Vigoda, and to Hannah, a Canadian immigrant with whom I discussed our complex feelings about Judaism over enough Goldstar lagers that I don't recall precisely what those feelings were.

The New York Times - Travel

I don't recall precisely what he said, but it was general about voter fraud prosecutions, voter fraud cases in three districts including New Mexico.

The Washington Post

I don't recall precisely how the meal ever ended but am certain it wasn't with dessert.

Huffington Post

It's very difficult to recall precisely what I was thinking at the time, but I am pretty confident that I thought that was almost impossible.

Huffington Post

The early chapters of "Bitter Fame" pulled me back into a period that I still find troubling to recall, precisely because duplicity was so closely woven into its fabric.

The New Yorker

Having served in the White House and under pressure, I have seen how difficult it sometimes is to recall precisely a particular sequence of events.

The Washington Post

SH: It's hard to recall precisely, because of the "haze" surrounding my Dad's absences; but I remember thinking, If only I were a better kid, maybe Dad wouldn't go away next time.

University of California, Berkeley

But the aide could not recall precisely when the meeting occurred, saying only that it was before 2005.

The New York Times

None of the patrons leaning on the Lion's Head bar yesterday could recall precisely when their little Greenwich Village pub became the legendary writers' hangout it is today.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I recall precisely" to emphasize the accuracy and detail of your memory, particularly when the details are important to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "I recall precisely" in casual conversation; it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "I remember" or "I recollect" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I recall precisely" functions as a declarative statement, asserting the speaker's clear and accurate memory of something. Ludwig examples show it used in both formal and informal contexts to emphasize the reliability of the speaker's recollection.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I recall precisely" is a grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the accuracy and clarity of one's memory. While not extremely common, as indicated by Ludwig, it is found across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. According to Ludwig, the phrase indicates a reliable memory. While acceptable in formal and neutral registers, it should be used judiciously in casual conversation to avoid sounding overly formal. Alternatives like "I remember distinctly" or "I recollect accurately" may be more suitable in certain situations. This phrase can strengthen assertions or testimonies, especially when precise details are essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I remember distinctly

Emphasizes the clarity and detail of the memory.

I recollect accurately

Highlights the accuracy of the remembered information.

I can recall specifically

Focuses on the ability to bring back a particular detail or event.

I remember with precision

Stresses the exactness of the memory.

I have a clear recollection of

Indicates a vivid and unambiguous memory.

I distinctly remember

Similar to 'I remember distinctly', but with slightly different emphasis.

I recall in detail

Emphasizes the level of detail that is remembered.

I remember perfectly

Suggests an error-free memory.

I remember exactly

Highlights that the memory is completely accurate.

I can bring to mind accurately

Highlights the ability to accurately access a memory.

FAQs

What does "I recall precisely" mean?

The phrase "I recall precisely" means that you remember something with a high degree of accuracy and detail. It indicates a clear and vivid memory of a specific event, fact, or detail.

When is it appropriate to use "I recall precisely"?

It's appropriate to use "I recall precisely" when you want to emphasize the accuracy of your memory, especially in formal or professional contexts where precise details are important. For instance, it can be used in legal testimonies, formal reports, or academic papers.

What are some alternatives to "I recall precisely"?

Alternatives to "I recall precisely" include "I remember distinctly", "I recollect accurately", or "I remember exactly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "I recall precisely" and "I recall"?

Yes, "I recall precisely" emphasizes the accuracy and detail of your memory, while "I recall" simply indicates that you remember something. The addition of "precisely" adds a layer of certainty and detail to the statement.