but more precisely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but more precisely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to clarify or specify a point more accurately after making a general statement. Example: "The project is due next week, but more precisely, it needs to be submitted by Friday at 5 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

But more precisely, I was selfish because I aspired to a life outside her world.

The New York Times

"They call it corporal punishment," he said, "but more precisely, it's violence and abuse".

The New York Times - Sports

The sound of it was infectious, but more precisely it was commanding.

The New York Times

A story is told here, sure, but more precisely, life is documented, its reality confirmed by being spliced into shareable data.

The Guardian

The structural descriptions provided by a generative grammar are comparable with, but more precisely formulated than, the analyses that result from the traditional practice of parsing sentences in terms of the parts of speech.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Teams will categorize themselves as buyers or sellers, but more precisely as those shooting for a playoff run or those giving up on this season and looking to the future.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

His principal target was not socialism but democracy or, more precisely, the unrestrained populism to which democracy can lead.

The Economist

Depending on the experimental conditions, either quantity can be measured as precisely as desired (at least in principle), but the more precisely one of the quantities is measured, the less precisely the other is known.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hunt works on murder-for-hire cases for the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, but Laskas more precisely and pithily sums up his job description as "the hit man, who is not really a hit man".

The New Yorker

But what, more precisely, is that?

SEP

But what, more precisely, does agreeing on this (admittedly minimal) thesis entail?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but more precisely" to introduce a more accurate or detailed explanation following a general statement. This helps refine understanding and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "but more precisely" for trivial clarifications or when the initial statement is already sufficiently accurate. Overuse can make your writing sound pedantic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but more precisely" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting two clauses while introducing a refinement or more accurate specification of the preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to add clarity and precision. Ludwig's examples demonstrate usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but more precisely" serves as a valuable tool for refining statements and offering greater clarity in writing. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and effective for introducing a more accurate or detailed explanation. While commonly found in news and media, science, and encyclopedic sources, its usage extends to formal business contexts as well. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse for trivial clarifications. By considering alternatives like "more specifically" or "to be more exact", you can ensure your writing maintains a balance between precision and readability. In summary, "but more precisely" is a handy tool for adding a layer of accuracy and precision to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more specifically

This alternative provides a similar level of detail and specification, but omits the initial contrast.

to be more exact

This phrase emphasizes the intention to provide a more accurate or precise statement.

more accurately stated

This alternative highlights the act of refining a previous statement for improved accuracy.

rather, to be specific

This version introduces a correction or refinement with a focus on specificity.

in particular

While emphasizing a specific aspect, this phrase lacks the corrective element of the original.

to put it more clearly

This option focuses on enhancing understanding through clarity, not necessarily precision.

more to the point

This phrase emphasizes relevance and directness, potentially sacrificing nuanced precision.

in other words

This option rephrases the statement, but doesn't necessarily make it more precise.

what I really mean is

This phrase indicates a clarification, but lacks the formal tone of the original.

specifically speaking

This alternative places more emphasis on the act of specifying, but is less common.

FAQs

How can I use "but more precisely" in a sentence?

Use "but more precisely" to introduce a more accurate or detailed explanation following a general statement. For example: "The project is due soon, but more precisely, it's due by the end of this week."

What phrases can I use instead of "but more precisely"?

You can use alternatives like "more specifically", "to be more exact", or "more accurately stated" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "but more precisely" and "but more accurately"?

"But more precisely" emphasizes a higher level of detail or exactness, while "but more accurately" focuses on correctness or truthfulness. The choice depends on whether you're refining details or correcting an error.

Is it redundant to use "but more precisely" after a very general statement?

Not necessarily. While it can sometimes be redundant, using "but more precisely" is useful to immediately clarify details, ensuring the audience understands the specific parameters or context, avoiding potential misinterpretations.