as precise as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as precise as a' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually is used to compare someone or something to an ideal level of precision or accuracy. For example, "Her measurements were as precise as a scientist's."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

But there was nothing as precise as a battle plan.

The New York Times

This may be because the structures of his plays are as precise as a mathematical proof.

The New York Times

Itziar Mendizabal strikes an immediately sophisticated note, drawing whirling arcs in space with legs as precise as a draughtsman's dividers.

The Guardian

But it's incredibly gratifying to have just the right one to hand, the word as precise as a needle.

The Economist

Ask him about a typical day at home in Geneva and he runs through a routine that's as precise as a Swiss watch.

The New York Times

The replica itself was carved with a machine that can make details as precise as a third of a millimetre in length.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Indeed, it can be shown that one directly randomised trial is as precise as an indirect comparison based on four randomised trials of the same size.

BMC Cancer

A nonprofit theater's season planning is a craft all its own, one of mundane logistical maneuvering as well as lofty creative ambition; of sleepless-night angst and pride-swelling triumph; of big-picture matters like building audiences and details as precise as choosing a hat.

The New York Times

In other words, if we consider random variations within the CI bounds of AUC, determining the presence or absence of high glucose and high triglycerides will be as precise as playing a game of heads or tails.

BMC Pediatrics

In order to identify stringently controlled genes as precise as possible, a filtering of the genes appearing differentially regulated in the microarray experiments was performed and three classes were established.

BMC Genomics

The new game on Kinect is not as precise as playing on a Wii or PlayStation 3 with a motion-sensitive wand, but the sensation of swinging your arms sans club and watching a ball fly away on the screen is beguiling.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as precise as a", ensure the comparison object (e.g. "Swiss watch", "mathematical proof") is universally understood to represent a high standard of accuracy or exactness for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "as precise as a" when the subject is only approximately accurate. This phrase implies a very high degree of exactness, and misusing it can weaken your writing's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as precise as a" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe the degree to which something possesses the quality of precision, comparing it to a known standard. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

41%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as precise as a" is a commonly used and grammatically sound comparative phrase that serves to emphasize the accuracy or exactness of something. Ludwig shows its frequent usage in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. To maximize the impact of this phrase, it's important to choose comparisons that are universally recognized for their accuracy. Be mindful of overstating the comparison, ensuring that the subject genuinely possesses a high degree of precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as accurate as a

Replaces "precise" with "accurate", emphasizing correctness rather than detailed exactness.

as exact as a

Substitutes "precise" with "exact", highlighting strict conformity to fact or rule.

as meticulous as a

Uses "meticulous" instead of "precise", focusing on the thoroughness and attention to detail.

with the precision of a

Changes the structure to emphasize the act of being precise rather than the state.

to the exactness of a

Replaces the "as...as" structure with "to the...of", altering the grammatical construction.

of comparable precision to a

Adds a level of formality and complexity by using "comparable precision".

mirroring the precision of a

Emphasizes the reflection or imitation of a precise standard.

having the exactitude of a

Substitutes "precision" with "exactitude", which is a more formal synonym.

in line with the accuracy of a

Focuses on the alignment with a standard of accuracy, shifting from precision to correctness.

characterized by similar exactness to a

Rephrases to describe a characteristic of exactness, rather than a direct comparison.

FAQs

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

Use "as precise as a" to compare something to a known standard of accuracy. For example, "His calculations were "as precise as a" laser measurement".

What are some alternatives to saying "as precise as a"?

You can use alternatives like "as accurate as a", "as exact as a", or "with the precision of a", depending on the context.

What makes a good comparison after "as precise as a"?

The best comparisons are objects or concepts widely recognized for their accuracy and attention to detail, such as "Swiss watch", "scientific instrument", or "mathematical equation".

Is it better to use "accurate" or "precise" in the phrase "as accurate/precise as a"?

While "accurate" implies correctness, "precise" suggests a high level of detail and exactness. Choose the word that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.