describe precisely

USAGE SUMMARY

"describe precisely" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to request that someone provide a detailed and accurate description of something. For example: "Can you please describe precisely what happened when the car crashed?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Actually, it's quite difficult to describe precisely what TED is.

The Guardian

Until then, Merrill is unable to describe precisely what data the NSL covered.

The Guardian

Look closely, describe precisely, and you will demonstrate a Divine will.

The Guardian - Books

They declined to describe precisely how they expected the synergies to emerge.

The New York Times

The correlation between results obtained by both methods allows us to describe precisely the molecular mobility.

Polymer

Still, none of the aforementioned mechanism could describe precisely the fine details of data in the entire range of parameters.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

That describes precisely what petitioners are doing to the Haitians.

Cornell University

His style, instead, delighted in describing precisely this oxymoronic mess.

The Guardian - Books

"A marriage of painting and sculpture," she called the work, describing precisely what we see.

The New York Times - Arts

"We produced a short document that described precisely, in engineering terms, what we proposed to build and what materials were involved," says Selden.

The Guardian

WHEN it comes to describing precisely what makes the 2011 Hyundai Sonata so undeniably excellent, the structural metaphor that applies best is, obviously, the crunchy taco.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal contexts, using "describe precisely" can help avoid ambiguity and ensure that contracts and agreements are clearly defined.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex or technical jargon when a simpler explanation will suffice. The goal is to "describe precisely", but also to communicate effectively with your intended audience. Using overly ornate or difficult language can obscure the meaning rather than clarifying it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describe precisely" functions as a directive, typically found in instructional or explanatory contexts. It emphasizes the need for a thorough and accurate account. Ludwig showcases various examples where this phrase is used to solicit detailed explanations or specifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "describe precisely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that emphasizes the need for a detailed and accurate explanation. According to Ludwig, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing, showcasing its versatility. The phrase is most appropriate when clarity and detail are paramount. Related phrases such as "define accurately", "explain in detail", and "specify exactly" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. A key best practice is to ensure you provide sufficient detail without resorting to overly complex jargon. In summary, "describe precisely" serves as a valuable tool for ensuring clarity and detail in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

define accurately

This alternative emphasizes accuracy in defining something rather than a detailed description.

explain in detail

This phrase focuses on providing a comprehensive explanation, highlighting the detailed aspect.

detail meticulously

This alternative emphasizes careful and thorough detailing.

specify exactly

This phrase emphasizes exactness in specifying the details.

portray accurately

This alternative focuses on accurate portrayal, especially useful when discussing depictions or representations.

illustrate clearly

This option highlights clarity in illustrating or explaining something.

articulate distinctly

This phrase focuses on clear and distinct articulation, emphasizing the manner of expression.

elucidate thoroughly

This alternative emphasizes a thorough and clarifying explanation.

narrate faithfully

This option focuses on a faithful and accurate narration of events or details.

present comprehensively

This phrase focuses on presenting information in a comprehensive and all-encompassing manner.

FAQs

How can I use "describe precisely" in a sentence?

You can use "describe precisely" to emphasize the need for a detailed and accurate explanation. For example, "Can you "describe precisely" the steps you took to solve the problem?"

What are some alternatives to "describe precisely"?

Alternatives include "define accurately", "explain in detail", or "specify exactly", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "describe precisely" and "describe accurately"?

"Describe precisely" emphasizes the level of detail required in the description, while "describe accurately" focuses on the truthfulness and correctness of the description. While the terms are closely related, the choice depends on whether detail or correctness is more critical.

When is it most appropriate to use "describe precisely"?

It's best to use "describe precisely" in situations where clarity and detail are paramount, such as in technical reports, legal documents, or scientific analyses. In more informal settings, simpler phrases might be more suitable.