Precisely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Precisely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to affirm or emphasize the accuracy or exactness of a statement or idea. Example: "The results of the experiment were precisely what we expected, confirming our hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A ba-boom - but worse things happen in the world.' He thinks the key to the success of modern cracker jokes is precisely because they're not funny.

The Guardian

I think they want precisely to be "particularly provocative".

The Guardian - Opinion

More precisely, I don't think email ought to die completely.

The Guardian - Tech

Lawyers dispute precisely when that referendum would be triggered by the act, but it is agreed an increase in majority voting at EU level, so reducing national sovereingty, would require a referendum.

The Guardian

On the other, he just looks a total tool when he accuses politicians and the media of obfuscating and ducking questions when he then does precisely the same, and with added bully-boy petulant aggression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Incidentally, Crumb and his colleagues and backers aren't positioning their business as a way to speculate on gold prices, although even a casual glance at the company's stock price suggests that's precisely how some of their investors view it.

The Guardian - Money

We don't know precisely how quickly syncing over Wi-Fi and especially 3G will work (especially with larger photos from the newer iPhone 4S).

The Guardian - Tech

The reason so many new drugs are appearing is precisely because we keep banning them.

The Guardian

Listen to the line: "All my cares just drift right into space", and how the word "space" sounds precisely like breathing out slowly and looking up at a huge blue sky.

The Guardian - Music

Journalists – especially wire reporters – rarely comment on this, precisely because it is trivial.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jones told Turnbull that because he had had dinner with Palmer, a trenchant critic of Abbott, "people" were suggesting that "precisely because you have no hope ever of being the leader again – you have got that into your head, no hope ever – that because of that you are happy to chuck a few bombs around that might blow up Abbott a bit, that is what they are saying".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precisely" to emphasize the accuracy or exactness of a statement, especially when correcting a misunderstanding or clarifying a point.

Common error

Avoid using "precisely" too frequently in casual conversations; it can sound overly formal or even pedantic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "exactly" or "right" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "precisely" functions to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, emphasizing the exactness or accuracy of an action or description. As Ludwig AI confirms, it affirms the truth or correctness of something, highlighting a specific detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "precisely" is a powerful tool for emphasizing accuracy and exactness in your writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. While "precisely" is a strong choice for ensuring clarity and leaving no room for doubt, remember that overuse in casual contexts may sound overly formal. To maintain a natural tone, consider alternatives like "exactly" or "accurately". By understanding these nuances, you can use "precisely" to enhance the precision and impact of your communication effectively. Given its frequent use and clear grammatical function, mastering "precisely" will undoubtedly elevate your writing to a new level of precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In a precise manner

A more formal way of expressing the same meaning as "precisely".

Exactly

Replaces "precisely" to indicate complete accuracy or agreement.

Correctly

Indicates accuracy and conformity to facts or standards.

Accurately

Indicates correctness and freedom from error, similar to "precisely".

Specifically

Highlights a particular detail or aspect, similar to providing precise information.

To be exact

Adds a more conversational tone while still emphasizing accuracy.

In detail

Emphasizes the thoroughness and precision of the information provided.

Verbatim

Indicates that something is being repeated or presented in the exact same words.

Literally

Emphasizes the truth and accuracy of a statement, sometimes used for emphasis.

Without error

Emphasizes the absence of mistakes or inaccuracies.

FAQs

How can I use "precisely" in a sentence?

"Precisely" is an adverb used to emphasize accuracy or exactness. For example: "The experiment results were "exactly" what we predicted, confirming our hypothesis", or "That's "precisely" what I meant!"

What are some alternatives to "precisely"?

Alternatives to "precisely" include "exactly", "accurately", "specifically", and "to be exact". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "precisely" and "exactly"?

While "precisely" and "exactly" are often interchangeable, "precisely" can sometimes carry a stronger emphasis on accuracy and detail. "Exactly" might be used in more informal settings, while "precisely" can sound more formal or emphatic.

When should I use "precisely" instead of "accurately"?

"Precisely" is best used to confirm something is correct to the smallest detail, while "accurately" focuses on the overall correctness and freedom from error. For example, "The clock shows the time "accurately"", versus "The meeting will start at 3 PM "precisely"".