a precise order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precise order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific sequence or arrangement that is exact and clearly defined. Example: "The recipe requires a precise order of ingredients to achieve the desired flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Even observers would have found it hard to discern a precise order of events in the confusion.

The Economist

The architectural nibbles wrought by Makoto Suzuki of Momo Sushi Shack in Bushwick were to be paired with four sakes, and eaten in a precise order.

The New York Times

One thing remains constant, though: programming the $400 watch by pushing its four buttons in a precise order is the true test of whether you are smart enough to wear it.

The New York Times - Tech

They follow a precise order of rotation, so that by the end of the evening, every woman will have danced several times with every teacher, doing different dances with each one.

The New York Times

Each piece has to be delivered and unloaded in a precise order, and the movements of the crane all plotted in advance, or else the massive objects can get stuck behind each other.

The Guardian - Arts

The Supreme Court last considered this issue in a 2001 decision, Saucier v. Katz, which required courts to consider the issue in a precise order, first deciding what the constitutional rule should be and whether the Constitution was violated, and only then deciding whether the issue had been sufficiently unclear at the time so as to make the defendant entitled to immunity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Small hair-like structures called cilia can be found on the top surface of many epithelial cells and are arranged in a precise, ordered pattern.

eLife

Similarly, Paul Davies describes the universe by talking about complexity and higher levels of organization in which participant observers bring about a more precise order (2007).

SEP

This suggests that chromosomes assume a very precise order that pre-aligns them prior to the onset of mitosis.

BMC Biology

Regarding the high similarity of the core biochemical pathway of the starch biosynthesis, it might suggest that the factors dictating the variation in plant starches, in terms of characteristics and accumulation capacity in the cells, might be hidden in the granule formation step where the enzymes (also isozymes) work together in a very precise order [ 23, 27, 28].

BMC Systems Biology

Lippold's "Full Moon" (1949 50) and "Sun" (1953 56; commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, to hang in its room of Persian carpets) show an intuition of a basic regularity, precise order, and completeness that underlies the universe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a precise order", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes the precise order to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the elements and their arrangement.

Common error

A common mistake is using "a precise order" without detailing what that order entails. Always provide enough context so the reader understands the specific sequence or arrangement being referred to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precise order" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig shows that it modifies nouns by specifying a condition. As such, it indicates that there's a need for things to be arranged or performed in a specific, accurate sequence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precise order" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the necessity of following a specific sequence. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's prevalent in science, news, and academic contexts where accuracy is crucial. While "a precise order" is not incorrect, make sure that the context is equally precise. When clarity is paramount, alternative phrases like "an exact sequence" or "a specific arrangement" can also be used. Remember to specify what constitutes the precise order to avoid confusion. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and useful in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exact sequence

Emphasizes accuracy and strict adherence to a particular order.

a specific sequence

Highlights the particularity and intentionality of the order.

a strict sequence

Conveys rigidity and the need to follow the order without deviation.

an accurate arrangement

Focuses on the correctness and exactness of the setup.

a defined sequence

Suggests a clear and well-established order.

an established sequence

Implies that the order is recognized and conventionally followed.

a fixed arrangement

Stresses the immutability of the order.

a set order

Indicates that the sequence is predetermined and unchanging.

a rigid order

Highlights the inflexibility and strictness of the order.

a methodical arrangement

Focuses on the systematic and organized nature of the order.

FAQs

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

You can use "a precise order" to describe a specific sequence or arrangement that must be followed exactly. For example: "The experiment requires reagents to be added in "a precise order" for accurate results."

What are some alternatives to "a precise order"?

Alternatives include "an exact sequence", "a specific arrangement", or "a defined sequence", depending on the context you wish to emphasize.

Is it better to say "precise order" or "exact order"?

Both "precise order" and "exact order" are acceptable, but "precise" often implies a higher degree of accuracy and detail compared to "exact".

What's the difference between "a precise order" and "a specific order"?

"A precise order" emphasizes accuracy and detail, while "a specific order" highlights that the order is particularly defined and not arbitrary. Depending on the context, "a precise order" may require exact adherence, whereas "a specific order" simply indicates a particular sequence.