in a precise time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a precise time" is not correct in standard English; it should be "at a precise time." You can use it when referring to a specific moment or point in time when something is scheduled to happen.
Example: "The meeting is set to start at a precise time, so please be punctual."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Cervantes does it, as all writers do, in a precise time and space.

The New York Times - Books

Proteins, enzymes, fats, hormones and other compounds have to be absorbed, broken down, metabolised and produced in a precise time window to allow important processes such as growth, reproduction, metabolism, and cellular repair.

Independent

It could be a tool to provide high amounts of receptor molecules by downregulating nestin expression and to activate GR mediated growth suppression during differentiation in a precise time and tissue specific manner.

Plosone

It is becoming increasingly clear that TFs can be classified as a function of their age and that in some cases they acquired their regulatory role in a precise time window of the evolutionary process.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

[1 9]" Reflecting advances in palliative care theory, difficulties in identifying a precise time point or phase when patients required palliative care were highlighted.

BMC Palliative Care

This chemical genomics approach resulted in a precise time-dependent insight to the TGF-β biology and allowed furthermore a comprehensive analysis of each NCE's off-target effects.

Plosone

Where else can a terrorist -- Columbine-style or anti-Western -- find a large group of affluent dilettantes in one spot, at a precise time and place defined by anonymous Web sources, whose destruc-tion would guarantee headlines?

The New York Times - Magazine

This rational, potentially, allows identification of early genetic components that due to their specific expression in the PLN, at a precise time, may not be identified by genetic studies whereas the final T1D phenotype is usually taken in consideration.

BMC Medical Genomics

The flower opens in the female stage and remains in this stage until the following day in the afternoon when at a precise time, around 6 pm.

BMC Plant Biology

Centrioles duplicate at a precise time in the cell division cycle, usually close to the start of DNA replication.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its expression has been described during quail development but not in sufficient detail to determine a precise time course during neural induction [38], [43] [45].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific moment or point in time, prefer using the preposition "at" rather than "in". For example, use "at a precise time" instead of "in a precise time".

Common error

Avoid using "in" when referring to a specific point in time. "In" is typically used with durations (e.g., "in a few hours"), while "at" is used for specific moments (e.g., "at 3 PM").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a precise time" functions as an adverbial phrase, attempting to specify when an action or event occurs. However, as pointed out by Ludwig AI, the preposition 'in' is not the correct one to use in this context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a precise time" attempts to pinpoint an exact moment, but it stumbles on prepositional usage. According to Ludwig AI, the correct form is "at a precise time". This seemingly small change significantly improves grammatical correctness and clarity. Although examples exist across diverse sources like science, news and media, and wikis, prioritizing grammatical accuracy is crucial for clear communication. Consider using alternatives such as "at a specific time" or "at an exact time" to ensure your message is well-received and grammatically sound. Remember to use "at" for specific points in time and "in" for durations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a precise time

Changes the preposition to "at", aligning with standard English grammar for specifying points in time. Offers a more grammatically sound alternative.

at an exact time

Replaces "precise" with "exact", emphasizing accuracy and removing the preposition error, while maintaining the intended meaning.

at a specific time

Uses "specific" instead of "precise", suggesting a particular, clearly defined moment, and corrects the preposition.

at a definite time

Substitutes "precise" with "definite", highlighting certainty and clarity in the timing. Also uses the correct preposition "at".

at a fixed time

Implies a pre-determined and unchangeable moment, using 'at' for correct prepositional usage.

punctually

This adverb focuses on adhering to a schedule, differing from "precise" by emphasizing adherence rather than definition.

sharply on time

Emphasizes the promptness and exactness of the timing, focusing on strict adherence.

right on time

Suggests impeccable timing, with a nuance of being neither early nor late.

in good time

Implies that something happens with sufficient time to spare, shifting the focus from precision to adequacy.

at the appointed hour

This phrase is more formal, suggesting a pre-arranged and significant moment.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "in a precise time"?

The correct preposition to use when referring to a specific moment is "at". Therefore, the correct phrase is "at a precise time".

When should I use "at" versus "in" when talking about time?

"At" is used for specific points in time (e.g., "at 5 PM", "at midnight"), while "in" is used for durations or periods of time (e.g., "in an hour", "in the morning"). Use "at a precise time".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "in a precise time"?

Better alternatives include "at a specific time", "at an exact time", or "at a definite time". Note the change in preposition.

Is "in a precise time" grammatically correct?

No, "in a precise time" is not grammatically correct in standard English. The correct preposition to use is "at", making the phrase "at a precise time".