at a precise time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a precise time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific moment or point in time when something occurs. Example: "The meeting is scheduled to start at a precise time to ensure everyone is present."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Hence all books released at a precise time.

The New York Times

Centrioles duplicate at a precise time in the cell division cycle, usually close to the start of DNA replication.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When he especially wanted to avoid someone, he would schedule a rendezvous at a precise time and place, and then make sure he was somewhere far away.

The New Yorker

Their goal was to capture the image of a particular place on a particular day at a precise time "forever," which is what Constable was also after.

The New York Times - Arts

Travelling across the globe in the 18th century was not a walk in the park at the best of times; and having to make sure you got to a precise spot at a precise time – or rather, in time to build a functioning observatory which would be open for business at a precise time – was even more difficult.

The Guardian - Books

"Representatives from Saleh's party and the Houthis are looking for excuses to delay their arrival at a precise time, but it's expected that they will arrive later in Kuwait on Tuesday," one of the officials said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

No one forced Judi Dench to star in Gregory Doran's RSC production of Merry Wives - the Musical in Stratford over Christmas at the precise time that a cannier operator might have left herself free to campaign for a second Oscar, this time for Notes on a Scandal.

The Guardian

We hit it off right away and I thought I had lucked into a great situation at the precise time I desperately needed one.

Huffington Post

But first would come a night of dreaming of a meeting with Henman at the precise time Australia and England are engaged in battle on the fields of rugby and cricket.

The New York Times - Sports

Google needed data from its social network at the precise time there was a real strategic opportunity from a social network that saved no data.

TechCrunch

DAS28, SDAI, and EULAR response were assessed at baseline and reevaluated at precise time intervals.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a precise time" when you want to emphasize the importance of accuracy and punctuality in a specific event or action. This phrase is especially useful in contexts where timing is critical.

Common error

While "at a precise time" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in casual conversations or informal writing. In such contexts, simpler alternatives like "exactly when" or "right then" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a precise time" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the specific timing of an event or action. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

45%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a precise time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase used to denote the exact moment of an occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase found across various contexts, especially in news, science, and wiki articles. While generally neutral in register, its formality can vary depending on the context, but it is typically useful in emphasizing accuracy and punctuality. Alternatives such as "at a specific time" or "right on time" can be used depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at an exact moment

Replaces "precise" with "exact", emphasizing accuracy and specificity.

at a specific time

Substitutes "precise" with "specific", indicating a particular but not necessarily exact time.

at a defined moment

Replaces "precise time" with "defined moment" to highlight a clearly established point in time.

right on time

Uses a more idiomatic expression to convey punctuality and accuracy in timing.

at the appointed hour

Employs a more formal tone, suggesting a pre-arranged and significant time.

on the dot

Utilizes a colloquial expression emphasizing exactness and punctuality.

at the very second

Highlights the immediacy and pinpoint accuracy of the timing.

at a fixed time

Replaces "precise" with "fixed" to indicate a time that is set and unchangeable.

at a determined time

Similar to "fixed time", suggesting a time that has been decided upon beforehand.

in the nick of time

Indicates that something happened just before it was too late, closely aligned with timing.

FAQs

How can I use "at a precise time" in a sentence?

You can use "at a precise time" to indicate the exact moment when something occurs. For example: "The experiment was initiated "at a precise time" to ensure accurate results."

What are some alternatives to saying "at a precise time"?

Alternatives include "at a specific time", "at an exact moment", or "right on time", depending on the level of formality and emphasis needed.

Is it redundant to use "exact" with "at a precise time"?

While not strictly redundant, using "exact" in addition to "precise" may be unnecessary. "At a precise time" already implies accuracy, so adding "exact" might only add emphasis, rather than change the meaning.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "at a precise time"?

It is most appropriate to use "at a precise time" in formal or technical contexts where accuracy and punctuality are important, such as in scientific experiments, legal documents, or scheduling critical events. In casual conversation other alternatives may be better.