but not precisely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not precisely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is close to being accurate or correct, but there are some differences or nuances that prevent it from being exact. Example: "The results of the experiment were promising, but not precisely what we had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

It's nice, but not precisely for everyone.

The New York Times

The main gallery spaces are almost, but not precisely, rectangular.

The New Yorker

His delivery was deadpan, maybe, but not precisely sarcastic.

The New Yorker

The amounts of matter and antimatter created by the Big Bang must have been nearly equal, but not precisely so.

The New York Times - Science

Second, the absence of ovarian cancer was defined based on self-reported medical history in non-cancer control participants, but not precisely confirmed by gynecological examination.

Nature

I have already written Hoover about this general matter and have had a very pleasant but not precisely responsive answer from him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

They know a lot of science and a lot about your field, but they're almost always working in a field that is closely related to--but not precisely the same as--yours.

Science Magazine

It uses rhyme but does not precisely follow Dante's rhyme scheme and metre.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Second, regions of climate, vegetation, and soils coincide generally but sometimes not precisely.

Britannica

Clinical management of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) successfully prevents extreme hyperglycemia but does not precisely control glucose levels throughout the day.

Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism

Byproducts and waste products result from an intentional act to make something but just not precisely, although the author at work may be well aware of their creation.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not precisely" when you want to acknowledge a similarity while also pointing out specific differences or nuances. This can add a layer of accuracy to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "but not precisely" without specifying how something differs. Be specific about the discrepancies to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not precisely" functions as a qualifier, adding nuance to a statement by indicating that something is approximate but not exact. Ludwig shows numerous examples of this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

48%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not precisely" is a grammatically correct and commonly used qualifier that indicates approximation or inexactness. Ludwig provides several examples, confirming its presence across multiple domains, including news, science, and academia. The phrase serves to introduce nuance and caution, allowing for a more accurate and detailed expression. It's crucial to use this phrase when you want to acknowledge a general similarity while also pointing out specific differences, enhancing clarity and avoiding misleading statements. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for the purposes outlined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but not quite

Indicates a slight difference or incompleteness compared to "but not precisely".

but not exactly

Highlights a lack of complete accuracy, similar to "but not precisely".

but not entirely

Suggests that something is mostly true or accurate, but with some exceptions. Highlights that the whole is not the case.

but not completely

Emphasizes that something is unfinished or lacks full inclusion compared to "but not precisely".

but not fully

Indicates a degree of incompleteness or lack of development compared to "but not precisely".

but not strictly

Implies a deviation from a rigid or literal interpretation compared to "but not precisely".

but not literally

Highlights that the words aren't to be taken at face value.

but not uniformly

Suggests inconsistency or variability where uniformity might be expected compared to "but not precisely".

but not absolutely

Indicates a degree of uncertainty or conditionality.

but not perfectly

Points out the existence of flaws, even if minor ones.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "but not precisely" in a sentence?

Use "but not precisely" when you want to indicate that something is close to being accurate or correct, but there are some differences or nuances that prevent it from being exact. It's a useful way to acknowledge a similarity while also pointing out specific differences.

What are some alternatives to saying "but not precisely"?

You can use alternatives like "but not exactly", "but not quite", or "but not entirely" depending on the context.

Is "but not precisely" grammatically correct?

Yes, "but not precisely" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to express that something is nearly, but not completely, accurate or true.

How does "but not precisely" differ from "but not accurately"?

"But not precisely" suggests a slight deviation or approximation, while "but not accurately" indicates a more significant error or misrepresentation. The choice depends on the degree of difference you want to emphasize.