at the precise time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the precise time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific moment or exact timing in a situation or event. Example: "The train arrived at the precise time scheduled, much to the relief of the passengers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Amazingly, at the precise time I was bailing, he was bailing, too.

The New York Times

"At the precise time we drafted we were conversing with Houston, we had not made a deal," Thorn said.

The New York Times - Sports

I lived in America at the precise time this picture is set and can testify to its uncanny accuracy.

The Guardian - Film

It would be pretty miraculous had the striker's team-mates somehow managed to make his phone ring at the precise time he was about to be caught.

The Guardian - Sport

Comas stepped into the space at the precise time to receive the pass and eluded goalkeeper Nick Rimando with a move to his left.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Al Fayed was watching a match at Fulham Football Club, which he owns, at the "precise time" of the alleged offence, his spokeswoman said in a statement.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Future studies of drought response in C4 grasses and other plants may benefit from sampling at multiple time points, and at minimum, the precise time of sampling should be reported to facilitate comparisons across studies.

BMC Genomics

Yet at almost the precise time he arrived unannounced at his 'safe house' - a Birmingham groundfloor flat owned by a Somalian acquaintance - his face would be known to millions.

The Guardian

She had visited a bank there at almost the precise time of the supposed drug deal, and she had a time-stamped check to prove it.

The New York Times

In experimental models the double occlusion technique permits perfect recognition of the time of occlusion; however, at the bedside the precise time point at which balloon inflation takes place can only be identified by a clear modification in the PAP curve.

Critical Care

A series of genome-wide molecular and biochemical studies demonstrates that SCL represses alternative gene expression in collaboration with ETO2 and the PRC1 complex at the precise time-point when multi-lineage transcriptional priming and cellular plasticity are detected.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the precise time" to emphasize the importance of exact timing in a particular situation. For instance, when describing a coordinated event or a scientifically controlled experiment, this phrase adds a layer of accuracy and significance.

Common error

Avoid using "at the precise time" in casual conversations where a more relaxed expression like "right when" or "exactly when" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal phrases can make your communication sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the precise time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an action occurred. It indicates a specific moment with a high degree of accuracy, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the precise time" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize the importance of accuracy in timing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a range of contexts from news and media to science and formal communication. While alternatives like "at the exact moment" and "at the specific time" exist, this phrase effectively underscores the significance of a particular moment. Overusing it in informal contexts, however, can sound unnatural. This phrase is most often used in contexts where accuracy and exactness are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the exact moment

Emphasizes the immediacy and accuracy of the timing.

at the specific time

Highlights a particular, predetermined point in time.

at the very moment

Underscores the simultaneity and significance of the event.

exactly when

Concise and direct, focusing on the pinpoint timing.

at that precise instant

Adds a sense of suddenness and clarity to the timing.

right when

Informal and emphasizes immediacy.

at the appointed hour

Implies a prearranged or scheduled time.

on the dot

Informal, indicating exactness in timing.

at the stroke of

Often used with hours, giving a dramatic flair to the timing.

in that instant

Highlights the swiftness and occurrence of an event.

FAQs

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

Use "at the precise time" to highlight the importance of a specific moment. For instance: "The medication needs to be administered at the precise time to be effective."

What phrases can I use instead of "at the precise time"?

You can use alternatives like "at the exact moment", "at the specific time", or "exactly when" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "at the precise timing" instead of "at the precise time"?

While "at the precise timing" might be understood, "at the precise time" is more idiomatic and widely accepted. "Timing" refers more to the coordination of events, whereas "time" refers to a specific point.

What's the difference between "at the precise time" and "at the exact time"?

The phrases "at the precise time" and "at the exact time" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Precise" can imply a higher degree of accuracy or formality than "exact", but in most contexts, the difference is negligible.