a precise question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precise question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is clear, specific, and well-defined, often in contexts such as academic discussions or interviews. Example: "To get the most useful information, it's important to ask a precise question during the interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The design of a clinical trial requires first a precise question of research, based on observation and review of the literature.

Revue des Maladies Respiratoires Actualités

But when they have a precise question, they often have to deal with too many documents to efficiently find the appropriate answers in a reasonable time.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

The nominal group technique allows for the quick development of a list of consensual and ranked answers to a precise question, following a brief meeting (45 to 120 minutes) of 6 to 12 participants.

BMC Family Practice

While a traditional systematic review demands a predetermined protocol and entails the identification, evaluation and interpretation of available research regarding a precise question, using explicit search methods, inclusion criteria, as well as a data extraction strategy and scientific quality appraisal tool [ 16], a modified review might not include all of these [ 17].

BMC Palliative Care

And be sure that your content includes the very thing people would be looking for, such as a turn of phrase, a precise question, specific keywords, etc. Search for your content using a search engine or two.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

For those of us interested in brands, a more precise question emerges: why would a film star known for a troubled life choose to perform on the London stage?

The Guardian

After a year, I sent a very precise question: can you confirm if this author is still entitled to use the title "Dr" with a doctorate from your university?

The Guardian

They also characterized precisely the case when there is equality in (7.2) answering a more precise question posed by Suita [110]: Let (M) be a Riemann surface admitting the Green function (which is equivalent to the fact that there exists a bounded nonconstant subharmonic function on (M)).

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

This may imply that these individuals think that they drive more than they actually do, since mileage per year suggests an estimation and mileage last year is a more precise question.

European Transport Research Review

In many questionnaires dating is done by starting with a screening question that investigates if the respondent has been a victim in the preceding 5 years and followed by a more precise question about the incidence in the last 12 months.

Crime Science

The number of questions intuitively corresponds to the perceived relative importance of each factor, although not enough evidence exists for a more precise question number and weight assignment, and can thus be subject to future modification according to quantitative and qualitative evidence.

Global Health Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When designing surveys or experiments, always formulate "a precise question" to ensure you gather relevant and actionable data.

Common error

Ensure your question isn't too broad. Vague questions yield vague answers. "A precise question" is key to obtaining specific and useful information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precise question" functions as a noun phrase typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It emphasizes the clarity and specificity of an inquiry. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precise question" is a grammatically sound phrase emphasizing the clarity and specificity of an inquiry. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts. For more effective communication, remember to formulate questions that are not too broad or ambiguous. Alternatives like "a specific inquiry" or "a well-defined question" can also be used to achieve similar clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific inquiry

Focuses on the particularity of the inquiry.

a well-defined question

Highlights the clarity and boundaries of the question.

a clear-cut question

Emphasizes the unambiguous nature of the question.

an exact query

Stresses the accuracy and precision of the question.

a focused question

Highlights the narrow scope of the inquiry.

a pinpointed question

Emphasizes the accuracy and directness of the inquiry.

a distinct question

Focuses on the uniqueness and clarity of the question.

a targeted question

Highlights that the question is aimed at a specific issue.

a meticulous question

Implies that the question has been carefully considered and formulated.

an accurate question

Emphasizes the correctness and reliability of the question.

FAQs

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

"A precise question" helps to elicit specific and relevant information, making it ideal for research or investigation. For example, "The researcher formulated "a precise question" to guide the study".

What can I say instead of "a precise question"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific inquiry", "a well-defined question", or "an exact query" depending on the context.

What makes "a precise question" effective?

The effectiveness of "a precise question" lies in its ability to focus the respondent's or researcher's attention on specific details, leading to more accurate and useful responses.

Is there a difference between "a precise question" and "a general question"?

Yes, "a precise question" is focused and specific, while a general question is broad and may yield varied or irrelevant answers. For instance, asking "a general question" like "What are your thoughts on climate change?" is less effective than asking "a precise question" like "What specific policies can reduce carbon emissions in urban areas?".