as imprecise as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as imprecise as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the lack of precision of one thing to another, often in a metaphorical or humorous context. Example: "His explanation was as imprecise as a weather forecast."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

People can be as precise or as imprecise as they need or wish to be.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, there's no avoiding the fact that the auto-targeting system remains as imprecise as ever, frequently making you attack the ref or climb out of the ring when you intended to perform a kick or throw.

The Guardian - Tech

The first trials we made with this technique showed that it was as imprecise as difficult to control.

EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry

As imprecise as this spirit is, it's already trickling down to the next generation.

The Guardian - Music

The further study can be conducted on ranking the sustainable suppliers when there are qualitative, imprecise, as well as stochastic data.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Since the parameters of the problem are imprecise, the objective value should be imprecise as well.

European Journal of Operational Research

When the parameters in the problem are imprecise, the calculated objective value should be imprecise as well.

International Journal of Approximate Reasoning

The third paragraph in the Introduction reads somewhat unclear and imprecise, as well as the "Developmental gene execution networks" section.

F1000Research

Brockington [ 1] argues that 'postnatal depression' therefore has value as a lay term, but is imprecise as a clinical or a research construct.

BMC Public Health

9 11 The sample size was relatively small and results for subgroups are somewhat imprecise as a consequence.

BMJ Open

IGN editor Mark Bozon criticized its motion controls, describing them as imprecise, for ruining a "great game".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as imprecise as a" when comparing something to a known standard of imprecision to emphasize the degree of inaccuracy. For instance, "His directions were as imprecise as a drunken sailor's map."

Common error

Avoid using "as imprecise as a" in highly formal or technical writing where a more direct and specific term like "inaccurate" or "approximate" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sometimes sound too informal or subjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as imprecise as a" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun by emphasizing its lack of precision relative to another item or standard. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as imprecise as a" serves as a comparative tool to underscore a notable lack of accuracy or clarity. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase is grammatically sound and sees usage across various contexts, predominantly within science and news media. While generally acceptable, avoid its usage in highly formal or technical documents where more direct language is preferred. Consider alternatives like "as vague as a" or "as inaccurate as a" in specific contexts for enhanced precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as vague as a

Replaces "imprecise" with "vague", suggesting a lack of clear definition rather than accuracy.

as inaccurate as a

Substitutes "imprecise" with "inaccurate", focusing on the incorrectness or error in something.

as ill-defined as a

Replaces "imprecise" with "ill-defined", highlighting the lack of clear boundaries or limits.

as indefinite as a

Uses "indefinite" instead of "imprecise", emphasizing the lack of specific or fixed limits.

as approximate as a

Replaces "imprecise" with "approximate", suggesting a rough estimate rather than an exact value.

as loose as a

Substitutes "imprecise" with "loose", implying a lack of strictness or precision in application.

as unspecific as a

Uses "unspecific" instead of "imprecise", highlighting a lack of detailed information.

as ambiguous as a

Replaces "imprecise" with "ambiguous", focusing on the quality of being open to more than one interpretation.

as nebulous as a

Substitutes "imprecise" with "nebulous", suggesting a vague and indistinct character.

as broad as a

Uses "broad" instead of "imprecise", emphasizing a lack of focus or specificity.

FAQs

How can I use "as imprecise as a" in a sentence?

You can use "as imprecise as a" to compare the lack of precision in one thing to another. For example, "The measurement was "as imprecise as a guess"".

What are some alternatives to "as imprecise as a"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "as vague as a", "as inaccurate as a", or "as ill-defined as a".

When is it appropriate to use "as imprecise as a"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the lack of accuracy or clarity in a descriptive or comparative way. It works well in informal or creative writing but may be less suitable for formal or technical contexts.

Is "as imprecise as a" considered grammatically correct?

Yes, "as imprecise as a" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of an "as...as" comparison.