all but precise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all but precise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is nearly precise, but not quite there. Example: "The measurements were all but precise, leading to some discrepancies in the final results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Except it does not feel reckless at all, but precise and scalpel-sharp.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Southern blot analysis accurately detects alleles in all size ranges, but precise sizing is not possible.

Genetics in Medicine

The supporting players — Mr. Quester as Jean, snorting and huffing eerily, as he happily sheds his humanity; Jauris Casanova as Bérenger's sniping, skeptical co-worker Botard; Céline Carrère as Daisy, the object of Bérenger's devoted but ineffectual love — all give precise, effective performances.

The New York Times

But they are not all that precise as a matter of either theory or practice.

The New York Times

But precise comparisons are difficult.

The New York Times

His handwriting is crowded but precise.

The New Yorker

His comic timing is effortless but precise.

The Guardian - Film

Candy making is simple but precise work.

WikiHow

Newton's theory is sufficient even today for all but the most precise applications.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Well, there were some heavies all right, but to be precise I didn't see anybody dressed as a heavy from TF2. Click twice for the big version.

TechCrunch

We had just trudged through 151 novels (I actually read a few more than that – 183 in all to be precise – but that's a tale for a different time) and we began the process of re-reading the longlist.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all but precise" when you want to convey that something is extremely close to being precise, but not perfectly so. It adds a nuance of slight imperfection or approximation.

Common error

Avoid using "all but precise" when the subject is significantly inaccurate. This phrase implies a high degree of accuracy, so its misuse can mislead readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all but precise" functions as an adjectival modifier, indicating a state of near accuracy. It qualifies a noun by suggesting it is close to being precise without fully achieving that status. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all but precise" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate near accuracy. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys a nuanced assessment, acknowledging a high degree of accuracy while permitting a slight deviation. Its usage spans various contexts, especially news, science and encyclopedic writing. The phrase serves as an adjectival modifier, conveying a qualified precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost exact

Indicates a very high degree of accuracy, nearly reaching exactness.

nearly accurate

Suggests a close approximation to accuracy, but not perfectly so.

virtually precise

Implies that for all practical purposes, the measurement or statement is precise.

practically accurate

Similar to virtually precise, indicating accuracy in a real-world context.

tantamount to precise

Highlights that the effect or result is equivalent to being precise.

close to accurate

Directly states the proximity to being accurate.

approaching precision

Indicates that the subject is moving towards a state of precision.

just shy of precise

Expresses that something is slightly less than precise.

in the ballpark of precise

Suggests a loose estimation that is near the actual precise value.

not quite precise

Explicitly states that precision is lacking to a small degree.

FAQs

What does "all but precise" mean?

The phrase "all but precise" means nearly precise or almost exact. It indicates that something is very close to being accurate but not completely so.

How can I use "all but precise" in a sentence?

You can use "all but precise" to describe measurements, estimations, or descriptions that are very close to being accurate. For example: "The measurements were "all but precise", leading to only minor discrepancies."

What can I say instead of "all but precise"?

Alternatives to "all but precise" include "almost exact", "nearly accurate", or "virtually precise", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "almost precise" or "all but precise"?

Both "almost precise" and "all but precise" convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on stylistic preference, though "all but precise" can sometimes add a touch more emphasis on the near-perfection.