anything but precise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anything but precise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is vague, unclear, or imprecise in nature. Example: "The instructions provided were anything but precise, leaving us confused about the next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This 35-year-old FORBES cover underscores the obvious but oft-overlooked truth: While numbers convey precision, what goes on behind those numerals is anything but precise.

Forbes

In reality, he said, the measurements are anything but precise.

The New York Times

But the way the federal Medicare system treats CyberKnife seems anything but precise.

The New York Times - Health

For some time, scientists have known that memory is anything but precise.

The New Yorker

The Nets were anything but precise or timely or even competent in the final minutes against the Chicago Bulls.

The New York Times - Sports

The State Department travel alert issued on Sunday in response to reports of a threat by Al Qaeda was anything but precise.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Given that some companies have disappeared and that employees may not still be holding optioned stock, it's anything but a precise calculation.

The New York Times

Kudos to you if you can explain to me what a Large Hadron Collider actually is, but anything more precise than "a huge ring under a mountain for smashing particles into each other", and you're a member of the cognoscenti.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's what we say when we loathe someone but can't think of anything more precise.

The New York Times - Books

Though his ideas are pointed and precise, their aesthetic is anything but.

The Guardian - Arts

Sinodinos said he did not know anything "in precise terms" about the donations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anything but precise" to emphasize that something is far from accurate or exact, often implying a surprising or ironic contrast.

Common error

Avoid using "anything but precise" when simply stating a lack of precision. The phrase carries an additional layer of implying a contrast or unexpected deviation from accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anything but precise" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its lack of precision. Ludwig confirms its usability. The examples show it used to describe measurements, calculations, and descriptions, underscoring their inexact nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "anything but precise" is a useful phrase to denote a distinct lack of accuracy, often with an element of surprise or contrast. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appears in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While synonyms like "far from exact" or "not at all accurate" exist, this phrase adds a specific emphasis that other options may lack. Remember to use it when highlighting a deviation from expected or desired precision, not merely to indicate a lack of accuracy in general. Its function and purpose are effectively captured through its diverse applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far from exact

Emphasizes the absence of exactness or accuracy.

not at all accurate

Highlights the complete lack of accuracy.

vague and indefinite

Focuses on the lack of clarity and defined limits.

imprecise by any means

Stresses that in no way is the statement or measurement done precisely.

lacking in accuracy

Points out the deficiency in accuracy.

not very specific

Indicates a general lack of detail or precision.

rather ambiguous

Highlights the quality of being open to more than one interpretation.

somewhat loose

Suggests a lack of strictness or precision.

not quite right

Indicates a deviation from accuracy or correctness.

inaccurate to a degree

Conveys a partial or significant lack of accuracy.

FAQs

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

Use "anything but precise" to describe something that lacks accuracy or detail, often highlighting a contrast. For example, "The measurements provided were "anything but precise", making it difficult to calculate the exact dimensions."

What are some alternatives to saying "anything but precise"?

You can use alternatives like "far from exact", "not at all accurate", or "vague and indefinite" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "anything but precisely"?

While grammatically understandable, "anything but precisely" is less common than ""anything but precise"". The latter is the more idiomatic and frequently used form.

What's the difference between "anything but precise" and "not very precise"?

"Anything but precise" implies a stronger contrast or surprise than "not very precise". It suggests that something was expected to be accurate but is, in fact, quite inaccurate. "Not very precise" is a milder statement indicating a general lack of precision.