a more precise notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a more precise notion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a concept or idea that requires clarification or specificity. Example: "To better understand the topic, we need to develop a more precise notion of what we mean by 'sustainability.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We need a more precise notion.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In Section 4.3.2, we explain how that notion has been replaced by a family of more precise notions, and explore how it affects the question of whether global supervenience entails strong individual supervenience.

SEP

No matter what exactly the facts about the metaphysics of memory and the analysis of remembering are, we will need a more precise characterization of the notion of a memory belief before we can proceed.

SEP

Yet other constructions should be seen more as reductions of one class of entity to another, or replacements of one notion by a more precise, mathematical, substitute.

SEP

A more precise formulation can be given by replacing this notion with a specific model such as \(\mathfrak{T}\) or \(\mathfrak{A}\) from the first machine class as discussed in Section 3.1 below.

SEP

This last notion could not be defined in a more precise way due to the difficulty in giving an accurate prognosis except when the patient is very close to death [ 16].

BMC Palliative Care

This observation is consistent with the notion that the Brinkman box task requires a more precise control of the forelimb posture, as the space to access the slots is more restricted than in the Modified Brinkman Board task.

Brain Structure and Function

Before going, I had thought that a more precise identification of the play with a particular country South Africa, say, or Nigeria would be preferable, the better to avoid the pernicious notion that Africa is a country.

The New Yorker

"Use a more precise preposition".

The New York Times

English is a more precise language.

The New York Times

Before going, I had thought that a more precise identification of the play with a particular country — South Africa, say, or Nigeria — would be preferable, the better to avoid the pernicious notion that Africa is a country.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a more precise notion", ensure that the context provides enough information to understand why greater precision is needed and what specific aspects require clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "a more precise notion" when a general understanding is sufficient. Overemphasizing precision can lead to unnecessary complexity and confusion if the context does not warrant it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a more precise notion" functions as a noun phrase acting as an object or complement within a sentence. It typically introduces or refers to a concept requiring further clarification or a more specific definition. As Ludwig suggests, the phrase is correct and can be effectively used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a more precise notion" is a phrase used to express the need for a clearer, more accurate, or more specific understanding of a concept. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its frequency is rated as common, with primary contexts in science, news, and encyclopedias, reflecting its use in settings that value accuracy and detail. When incorporating the phrase in your writing, remember to provide context for why greater precision is needed and what aspects require clarification. Remember that, depending on the specific situation, there are other alternatives like "a clearer concept" or "a sharper definition".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clearer concept

Emphasizes understandability over strict precision.

a more accurate understanding

Highlights correctness and truthfulness rather than detailed precision.

a sharper definition

Suggests a clearer and more distinct boundary or outline of a concept.

a refined idea

Implies improvement and sophistication in the development of an idea.

a more exact specification

Focuses on the detailed and specific aspects of a requirement or plan.

a better-defined term

Highlights the improvement in clarity and boundaries of a term.

a more meticulous description

Stresses the detailed and careful nature of the description.

a more rigorous framework

Implies a stricter and more thoroughly tested system or structure.

a more detailed account

Highlights the presence of more comprehensive information.

a more explicit concept

Focuses on making the concept clearer and less ambiguous.

FAQs

How can I use "a more precise notion" in a sentence?

You can use "a more precise notion" to indicate the need for a clearer or more specific understanding of something. For example, "To better understand the topic, we need to develop "a clearer concept" of what we mean by 'sustainability'".

What are some alternatives to "a more precise notion"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a clearer concept", "a more accurate understanding", or "a sharper definition" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to have "a more precise notion"?

No, sometimes a general understanding is sufficient. Striving for unnecessary precision can complicate matters. The need for a precise notion depends on the specific requirements of the situation.

What's the difference between "a more precise notion" and ""a more accurate understanding""?

"A more precise notion" implies a need for greater specificity and detail, while ""a more accurate understanding"" emphasizes correctness and truthfulness. Precision focuses on detail, accuracy on correctness.