a precise answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precise answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are requesting or referring to an answer that is exact and clear, often in contexts requiring accuracy. Example: "In order to solve this problem effectively, we need a precise answer to the question at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

I wish I could give you a precise answer.

The New Yorker

It's not often there is a precise answer to such a question - 79p.

The Guardian - Money

Mike Bradshaw, Ormskirk, Lancs At last, a question to which a precise answer can be given!

The Guardian

And yet, ask the Finns, "Where were you on Sept. 11, 2001?" and chances are you'll get a precise answer.

The New York Times - Books

A precise answer is impossible, since Whitehall does not count all of Britain's revenue and spending streams by geography.

The Economist

"It is difficult to give a precise answer, because Swedish law forbids registration based on people's ancestry or religion.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

According to this conception, for any given subject during their waking hours the question 'What is currently appearing on the stage of your consciousness?' always has a fully precise answer, an answer determined by the experiential contents present in the relevant subject's consciousness.

SEP

If you need a more precise answer, use a calculator or another method rather than log tables.

WikiHow

Requesting a more precise answer is like asking a table of French truckers to define a cassoulet.

The New Yorker

In his Horologium Oscillatorium, the work the Principia most emulates, Huygens had developed a mathematical theory of pendulum motion that enabled measurement of the length and period of pendulums to provide a robust precise answer to the question, how far does an object fall in the absence of air resistance in the first second?

SEP

We don't know the answer to this question and will likely never have a very precise answer, but there are ways we can make an educated guess to this and related questions.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical or scientific writing, always verify that "a precise answer" is supported by evidence and can be replicated.

Common error

Avoid insisting on "a precise answer" when dealing with subjective topics or situations where exact data is unavailable or inappropriate. Sometimes, an estimate or a range is more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precise answer" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts where accuracy and specificity are required in a response. The phrase is generally considered correct by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a precise answer" denotes the necessity for an accurate and detailed response, which, according to Ludwig AI, is grammatically correct and broadly applicable. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating its importance in scenarios where clarity and accuracy are paramount. While alternatives like "an accurate response" or "a specific answer" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember, while precision is valuable, avoid demanding it in situations where estimates or subjective assessments are more appropriate. By considering these nuances, you can effectively use "a precise answer" to seek or provide the most relevant and accurate information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exact reply

Highlights absolute precision and lack of ambiguity in the provided information.

an accurate response

Focuses on the correctness of the response, emphasizing truthfulness over specific detail.

a specific response

Highlights the level of detail given, indicating focus on particular information.

a definitive response

Implies the answer is final and authoritative, leaving no room for doubt.

a well-defined answer

Emphasizes the clarity and structure of the provided response.

a clear explanation

Emphasizes understandability and lucidity in the response rather than exactitude.

a distinct answer

Focuses on the uniqueness and clear differentiation of the provided information.

a detailed explanation

Indicates a thorough and comprehensive answer, possibly including supplementary information.

a conclusive statement

Focuses on the finality and decisiveness of the provided information.

a targeted response

Implies the answer is tailored and directed towards the specific question asked.

FAQs

How do you use "a precise answer" in a sentence?

You can use "a precise answer" to indicate that you need or are providing a very accurate and specific response. For example, "The engineer needed "a precise answer" to calculate the load-bearing capacity of the bridge."

What are some alternatives to "a precise answer"?

Alternatives include "an accurate response", "a specific answer", or "an exact reply", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to seek "a precise answer"?

It's appropriate to seek "a precise answer" when accuracy is critical, such as in scientific research, engineering calculations, or legal proceedings. In these contexts, even small deviations can have significant consequences.

What's the difference between "a precise answer" and "a correct answer"?

"A correct answer" simply means the information is right, whereas "a precise answer" implies that the information is not only correct but also specific and exact. For example, estimating a distance is correct, but measuring it with a laser provides "a precise answer".