in a precise direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a precise direction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing movement, guidance, or focus towards a specific point or goal. Example: "The compass pointed in a precise direction, leading us to our destination without any detours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And the more cells they used in their experiments the more efficient they became at moving in a precise direction.

The Guardian

The concept is simple: a television monitor framed with four fans, each pumping odors in a precise direction.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

How can such a narrow beam maintain such a precise direction for such a long time?

Harvard University

But the first Germans must have begun climbing down, getting an idea of the slope of the terrain, and the dogs must have begun heading in a more precise direction.

The New Yorker

Instead of looking over a large map of the farm, it would show them what is immediately in front of them and a more precise direction on where they need to go.

Cornell University

I've always been a sucker for contagion-style TV things, and this one is a beezer, 4,000 souls quarantined inside Atlanta, blood being vomited, but possibly not enough being vomited in the precise direction of Chris Wood.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A McCarter Theater staging in Princeton was buoyed by a front-line cast and precise direction in 1994.

The New York Times

Mammals vary considerably in their ability to localise the precise direction of a frontal sound source [52].

Plosone

The movie is, after all, called "Suicide Squad," and if it has any substance at all it's in the ruinous and sacrificial cost of martial virtue, the question of the terrifying proximity of good and evil in combat, the thoughtful and precise direction that mighty force requires to keep it on the side of good.

The New Yorker

The most intriguing part of the story, however, is that the fossilised eye reveals the traces of the rhabdoms as small, deep cavities in the fossil, indicating the precise direction of the optical axis of each ommatidium.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

Optical interconnects rely on nanoscale structures called diffraction gratings, which cause the light rays that hit them to travel in precise directions depending on the angle at which they arrive.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a precise direction" when describing movement or orientation that requires accuracy or lacks ambiguity. It is useful in technical, scientific, and navigational contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "in a precise direction" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler language would suffice. Phrases like "that way" or "over there" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a precise direction" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the manner or direction of an action. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a precise direction" is a grammatically correct and usable adverbial phrase that serves to provide clarity and specificity regarding movement, orientation, or intent. While it's most appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, such as technical writing or news reports, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Alternatives such as "towards a specific point" or "along a defined trajectory" can be considered based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Its primary function is to ensure minimal ambiguity about the intended path or target, especially in technical and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

towards a specific point

Replaces "direction" with "point" emphasizing a destination rather than a general path.

along a defined trajectory

Uses "trajectory" instead of "direction", suggesting a predetermined path or course.

on a calculated course

Emphasizes the planning and intentionality behind the direction.

with pinpoint accuracy

Shifts focus to the accuracy of the movement or action, rather than the direction itself.

in a targeted manner

Highlights the purposefulness and focus of the action.

along a distinct path

Replaces "precise" with "distinct" to show a clear and distinguishable route.

towards an exact location

Specifies a destination, adding more concreteness to the direction.

on a fixed bearing

Employs nautical terminology to indicate a stable and determined course.

with absolute certainty of aim

Focuses on the assuredness and clarity of the goal, rather than the physical direction.

in a controlled orientation

Highlights the managed and intentional nature of the orientation or direction.

FAQs

What does "in a precise direction" mean?

The phrase "in a precise direction" means moving or pointing towards a specific, clearly defined location or orientation, leaving little to no room for error or ambiguity.

When should I use "in a precise direction" in my writing?

Use "in a precise direction" when accuracy and clarity are essential, such as in technical manuals, scientific reports, or navigational instructions. It emphasizes the importance of following an exact course or bearing.

Are there alternatives to "in a precise direction"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "towards a specific point", "along a defined trajectory", or "on a calculated course".

How can I improve the clarity of my writing when using "in a precise direction"?

Ensure that the point of reference or destination is clearly defined when using "in a precise direction". Providing specific coordinates, landmarks, or other identifying information will help avoid confusion and enhance the overall clarity.