at that precise question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at that precise question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring specifically to a particular question that has been asked or is being discussed. Example: "When I heard the discussion, I couldn't help but think about the implications at that precise question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The issue may sound familiar, as the court looked at that precise question in 2007, when it found itself in a 4-to-4 deadlock after Justice Anthony M. Kennedy disqualified himself without explanation.

The New York Times

And for those of you tempted to say "just use email", we'll be looking at that precise question at a later date, although by all means pitch in if you feel you can show email is vastly superior in terms of its environmental impact.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

One additional problem is that the precise question addressed by this study is unclear.

eLife

I wanted to get at this very precise question of the formation of a personality and a milieu.

Columbia University

The appeals court held that Congress "had spoken directly to the precise question at issue" and that the I.R.S. regulations keeping the reasoning for denials and revocations secret contradicted Congressional directives.

The New York Times

At all times, he was concerned to ensure that he understood the precise question, and the precise premise underlying the question which he was being asked.

The Guardian

She added: "At all times, he was concerned to ensure that he understood the precise question, and the precise premise underlying the question which he was being asked".

The Guardian

It reminded me of a curious exchange late in the Hall v Florida oral argument that had nothing to do with the precise question at play in the case but addressed a broader question of criminal justice:JUSTICE BREYER:  …[T]his man has been on death row for over 35 years, I take it?

The Economist

Since the IEA said in their 2010 World Energy Outlook that 42% of the off-grid electricity demand will be met with microgrids, the Tata Center is looking at precise questions of what those microgrids could look like, how they could fit into the national electricity planning scheme.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Congress has spoken to the precise question at issue — whether federal funds may be used for research in which an embryo is destroyed," Lamberth wrote.

The New Yorker

"Ultimately, however, this court need not choose between the competing interpretations," he wrote, because the law "is ambiguous as to the precise question at issue".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at that precise question", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific question being referred to, avoiding ambiguity. Use it to emphasize the focus and exactness of the topic under discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "at that precise question" when a simpler phrase like "regarding that question" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at that precise question" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating a specific focus. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing examples where it highlights a particular question under consideration.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at that precise question" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to emphasize a particular question or inquiry. Ludwig AI validates its structure and usage. While its frequency is rare, the phrase appears in neutral to formal contexts like news, academia, and science. When writing, use it judiciously to highlight a specific question, but be mindful of sounding overly formal. Consider alternatives such as "regarding that specific inquiry" or "concerning that exact query" for broader applicability. Remember to ensure you are really focusing a very specific detail, otherwise the phrase can result excessive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding that specific inquiry

Replaces "precise question" with "specific inquiry" to emphasize the focus on a particular point of investigation.

concerning that exact query

Substitutes "precise question" with "exact query" for a more formal tone, highlighting the accuracy of the question.

on that very issue

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the core topic being addressed, omitting the explicit mention of a question.

with respect to that particular problem

Changes the focus from a question to a problem, suggesting a challenge needing a resolution.

in relation to that detailed inquiry

Uses "detailed inquiry" to emphasize the depth and thoroughness of the question being considered.

considering that accurate inquiry

Highlights the inquiry as a consideration point.

regarding that pinpointed question

The term "pinpointed" emphasizes the exactness, but is less frequently used than "precise".

pertaining to that distinct interrogation

Replaces the term 'question' with 'interrogation', which has a different tone and context.

addressing that very inquiry

It emphasizes the action of directly dealing with the inquiry, shifting focus slightly from the question itself.

about that unmistakable issue

Shifts the subject from a 'question' to an 'issue', altering the nature of the inquiry from seeking information to focusing on a problem.

FAQs

What does "at that precise question" mean?

The phrase "at that precise question" refers to a specific question that has been asked or is under consideration. It emphasizes the exactness and focus of the inquiry.

How can I use "at that precise question" in a sentence?

You might say, "The committee focused its attention "at that precise question", recognizing its importance to the overall project."

What are some alternatives to "at that precise question"?

Alternatives include "regarding that specific inquiry", "concerning that exact query", or simply "on that very issue" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "at that precise question" instead of a simpler phrase?

Use "at that precise question" when you want to highlight the exactness and specificity of the question being discussed. If the context doesn't require such emphasis, a simpler phrase like "regarding the question" might be more appropriate.