To be precise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To be precise" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to clarify or specify information more accurately. Example: "The meeting is scheduled for 3 PM, to be precise, it will start at 3:15 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To be precise, his.

The Guardian - Books

To be precise, he got two.

The New York Times - Sports

To be precise: George Prescott Garnica Bush.

The Guardian

To be precise, Rs. 16,000 crore.

Forbes

To be precise, let.

Boundary Value Problems

Bagdad, Florida, to be precise.

The Economist

43 marathons to be precise.

Independent

My history, to be precise.

The New York Times

An opossum, to be precise.

The New York Times

Three accordions, to be precise.

The New York Times

Ninety percent, to be precise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "To be precise" to refine a statement that might be slightly vague or general. This helps in conveying information more accurately and avoids potential misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "To be precise" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pedantic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "actually" or "really" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "To be precise" functions as a discourse marker, used to signal that the speaker or writer is about to offer a more accurate or detailed version of something they have already mentioned. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used to add clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "To be precise" is a valuable tool for clarifying and refining information across a range of contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatically sound and useful to specify information accurately. While it's very common, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. Alternatives such as "specifically" or "exactly" can be used depending on the specific context. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase serves to enhance accuracy and avoid misunderstanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Precisely speaking

Similar to "to be precise" but emphasizes exactness.

To put it accurately

Emphasizes the correctness of the statement.

More accurately

Suggests a previous statement was not entirely accurate.

Specifically speaking

Focuses on the act of specifying details.

To clarify

Indicates an intention to make something clearer.

In particular

Highlights a specific aspect or detail.

For clarity's sake

Indicates the following statement is to avoid confusion.

If I may be exact

A more polite or formal way of introducing a precise detail.

For the record

Highlights the importance of the following detail.

In detail

Suggests providing a thorough and comprehensive explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "To be precise" in a sentence?

Use "To be precise" to introduce a more accurate or detailed version of a previous statement. For example: "The meeting is at 2 PM; to be precise, it starts at 2:15 PM."

What are some alternatives to "To be precise"?

You can use alternatives like "specifically", "exactly", or "more accurately" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "To be precise" when providing details?

No, it's not always necessary. Use "To be precise" when you want to emphasize the accuracy or importance of the detail you're adding. In some cases, a simple clarification might suffice.

What's the difference between "To be precise" and "To be exact"?

While both phrases indicate a desire for accuracy, "To be precise" often implies refining a previous statement, whereas "To be exact" focuses on providing a completely accurate piece of information from the start.