how precious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how precious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express admiration or value for something or someone, often in a sentimental or affectionate context. Example: "She held the locket in her hand and whispered, 'How precious this memory is to me.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And how precious!

The New Yorker

but how precious our health.

Harvard University

How precious each day is".

The New York Times - Sports

"How precious is your love, oh God.

The Guardian

Just how precious remains to be seen.

The New York Times - Sports

"You realize how precious life is.

The New York Times

It's to magnify how precious space is.

The Guardian

I know how precious human life is.

The New York Times

It was about how precious we are.

The Guardian - Books

"The movie makes you understand how precious life is".

The New York Times

"It's so clear how precious marriage is, relationships are.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how precious" to express sincere appreciation or deep emotional value, especially when reflecting on experiences, relationships, or moments in time.

Common error

While "how precious" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more objective terms like "valuable" or "significant" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how precious" functions as an exclamatory expression within relative clauses, often emphasizing the perceived value or importance of a noun. Ludwig examples showcase its common usage in expressing sentimentality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how precious" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a strong emotional valuation or deep appreciation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia contexts, it adds a sentimental touch to writing. While versatile, it's advisable to use it judiciously in formal settings, opting for more objective alternatives when appropriate. Remember to use "how precious" when you want to highlight the significance and value you place on something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how valuable

Focuses more on the worth or utility of something.

how priceless

Emphasizes that something is beyond monetary value.

how cherished

Highlights the act of holding something dear.

how treasured

Similar to 'cherished', but implies a sense of safekeeping.

how invaluable

Stresses the irreplaceability and importance of something.

how significant

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of something.

how meaningful

Focuses on the personal or emotional resonance of something.

how important

Highlights the relevance or necessity of something.

how delightful

Shifts the focus to the pleasing or enjoyable nature of something.

how special

Indicates that something is unique and not easily replicated.

FAQs

How can I use "how precious" in a sentence?

You can use "how precious" to express the value or importance of something. For example, "You realize "how precious life is"" or "It's so clear "how precious marriage is"".

What can I say instead of "how precious"?

Alternatives include "how valuable", "how cherished", or "how invaluable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "how precious" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "how precious" might be too sentimental for formal contexts. Consider using more objective alternatives like "how significant" or "how important".

What's the difference between "how precious" and "how valuable"?

"How precious" often implies a deeper emotional connection or sentimental value, while ""how valuable"" focuses more on the worth or utility of something.