a precise idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precise idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a clear and exact concept or thought that someone has. Example: "In order to solve the problem effectively, we need to have a precise idea of what the requirements are."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The chair is no longer extant, but with a bit of digging and dusting we can recover a precise idea of what it looked like, and place it in a precisely identifiable house in Westminster, where Jonson lived his last years – corpulent and half-paralysed with a stroke, but still prodigiously writing – and where he died in 1637 at the age of 66.

The Guardian

Darío entertained a precise idea of how to do this.

The New York Times - Books

"I had a precise idea for Rochas and that was classic Parisienne chic.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was a pretty strong move, so he has to have a precise idea of why he did it".

The New York Times - Arts

But the utility companies have never had a precise idea of what the temperatures are, or where their lines are in relation to obstructions below.

The New York Times

"Now we have a precise idea of the budget and we have to stick to it," said the prime minister Costas Simitis.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Here again we need to articulate something that Bridgman already did imply: not all instrumental operations are measurement operations as such (for instance, we may know how to make iron melt without thereby obtaining any precise idea of the temperature at which that happens).

SEP

It's a pretty cool option for road-trippers who want a really precise idea of where they are at any given time, plus a way for folks out there running carputers in their dash to slim things down a bit.

TechCrunch

As our case series was large enough to allow it, in order to have a more precise idea of onset age in relation to a subject's age we carried out a distribution analysis by five-year age groups, which in our opinion was more adequate than age distribution by decades to better detect the likelihood of childhood and elderly onset.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Those were the days when a university degree automatically guaranteed a successful career or at least an acceptable income, when the freshmen already had a fairly precise idea of their career path, when most of the graduates remained in one profession for a lifetime and when jobs were passed on from father to son.

Science Magazine

Although the EWCS presents a higher level of subjectivity, this feature has the advantage of giving a more precise idea of the tasks performed within each occupation.

SERIEs

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a precise idea", ensure that the context provides sufficient information or background for the reader to understand the specificity you're implying. For example, follow up with details that clarify the idea.

Common error

Avoid using "a precise idea" when the concept is still vague or lacks concrete details. If you cannot articulate the idea with clarity, it's better to use a more general term or provide further elaboration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precise idea" functions as a noun phrase, where "precise" modifies the noun "idea." It typically serves as the object of a verb, indicating something someone possesses, formulates, or communicates. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to a clear and exact concept.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precise idea" is a commonly used noun phrase denoting a well-defined and detailed concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific writing, and everyday communication. The phrase emphasizes clarity and accuracy, making it valuable when specificity is crucial. To enhance your writing, ensure that the context provides sufficient details to support the precision implied by the phrase, and avoid using it when the idea is still vague. Alternatives such as "an exact concept" or "a clear understanding" can be used to express similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exact concept

Emphasizes the accuracy and correctness of the idea.

a clear understanding

Focuses on the comprehensibility and lack of ambiguity of the idea.

a well-defined notion

Highlights the clarity and distinctness of the concept.

a specific thought

Stresses the particularity and focus of the idea.

a definite plan

Implies a concrete and actionable idea for achieving a goal.

an accurate vision

Suggests a foresightful and correct perception of something.

a detailed outline

Focuses on the comprehensive and structured nature of the idea.

a sharp image

Conveys the clarity and vividness of the idea.

a distinct impression

Emphasizes the unique and memorable quality of the idea.

an explicit thought

Highlights the explicitness and lack of ambiguity in the idea

FAQs

How can I use "a precise idea" in a sentence?

You can use "a precise idea" to indicate a clear and exact concept. For example, "The scientist had "a precise idea" of how the experiment should be conducted."

What are some alternatives to "a precise idea"?

Alternatives include "an exact concept", "a clear understanding", or "a well-defined notion", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a precise idea" or "a clear idea"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a precise idea" emphasizes exactness and detail, while "a clear idea" focuses on comprehensibility. The choice depends on the context.

How does "a precise idea" differ from "a general idea"?

"A precise idea" implies a detailed and specific understanding, whereas "a general idea" refers to a broad and less defined concept.