for precisely what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for precisely what" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when seeking clarification or specificity about a particular matter or situation. Example: "I need to understand for precisely what purpose you are requesting this information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But exactly where the money went, and for precisely what, remains unknown.

The New York Times

The failure to spell out for precisely what Iain is not clever enough will lead to speculation.

Independent

But Goldman also makes plain his distaste for precisely what fascinates Wieseltier: a strongly purgatorial strain in the Kaddish tradition.

The New York Times - Books

Thank you for exposing the upcoming gubernatorial race in California for precisely what it is: a carnival show.

The New York Times

The discovery provides no simple answers for precisely what set in motion the tower's collapse and even poses a few new puzzles.

The New York Times

And what is love if not the freedom to be appreciated for precisely what you are, without pretending to be something you're not?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

In a forty-one-page ruling, handed down on July 10th, Lewis blasted Republican politicians and political consultants for doing precisely what the voters prohibited: drawing district lines for partisan advantage.

The New Yorker

And when George Bush, the junior, cut taxes, Krugman routinely skewered him for doing precisely what Krugman is now advocating -- praying for mana.

Huffington Post

This step was also felt to be important for defining precisely what order of clinical service activity was to be prioritised and for creating an accurate inventory of clinical services for prioritisation.

BMC Health Services Research

So he was not penalized with a suspension for doing precisely what Bretos did.

The New York Times - Sports

What Frost understood is that not everybody gets paid for doing precisely what he or she loves to do.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for precisely what" when you need to emphasize the need for a clear and specific explanation. This phrase is especially useful in formal contexts where ambiguity must be avoided.

Common error

While "for precisely what" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "why exactly?" or "what for?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for precisely what" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a clause or question that seeks a specific explanation or purpose. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for precisely what" is a prepositional phrase used to request a specific and detailed explanation or purpose. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's considered grammatically correct and commonly appears in diverse contexts like news, science and wikis. While versatile, it leans towards a formal tone, making it vital to select appropriate alternatives like "why exactly" in casual settings. Over all Ludwig confirms it is good English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for exactly what

Replaces "precisely" with "exactly", maintaining a similar level of emphasis on detail.

for just what reason

Substitutes "precisely what" with "just what reason", focusing on the cause or justification.

for what specific purpose

Replaces "precisely what" with "what specific purpose", highlighting the intended use or aim.

for what exact reason

Combines "exact" with "reason" for similar precision.

for what clear reason

Highlights the need for an obvious or easily understood cause.

on what precise grounds

Uses "grounds" to focus on the basis or justification for something.

for what particular reason

Similar to "specific reason" but with a slightly different emphasis.

to what exact end

Focuses on the ultimate goal or outcome with "exact".

for what definite reason

Highlights the need for an unambiguous reason.

for what certain reason

Emphasizes the need for an indubitable reason.

FAQs

How can I use "for precisely what" in a sentence?

Use "for precisely what" to ask for a specific reason or purpose. For example, "I need to know "for precisely what" purpose this data will be used."

What is a more casual way to say "for precisely what"?

In less formal contexts, you could use phrases like "why exactly?", "what for?", or "what's the reason for that?" instead of "for precisely what".

Is "for precisely what" more formal than "why"?

Yes, "for precisely what" is more formal and emphasizes the need for a detailed explanation. "Why" is a general inquiry, while "for precisely what" seeks a specific, articulated reason.

When should I avoid using "for precisely what"?

Avoid using "for precisely what" in informal conversations or when a simple "why" will suffice. Overusing it can make your speech sound stilted or overly pedantic.