inexact quotation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inexact quotation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quotation that does not accurately reflect the original source, either due to errors or alterations. Example: "The article contained an inexact quotation from the author, which misrepresented their views on the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The calculations are inexact.

The Guardian

"Sure, science is inexact.

The New York Times - Sports

Seasoning is also inexact.

The New York Times

Journalism can be inexact.

The New York Times

Hosiery science is sadly inexact.

The New York Times

It's an inexact science".

The New York Times - Sports

Such diaries are notoriously inexact.

The New Yorker

Moreover, the model is inexact.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is an inexact division.

The Guardian - Sport

Her parents were similarly inexact.

The New York Times

Shooting by firelight is an inexact science.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "inexact quotation", ensure you clarify the extent and nature of the inaccuracy to avoid misleading your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "inexact quotation" to suggest intentional misrepresentation without concrete evidence. The inaccuracy might stem from unintentional errors or paraphrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inexact quotation" functions as an adjective-noun combination to describe a quotation that is not perfectly accurate or precise. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inexact quotation" describes a quotation that isn't perfectly accurate or precise. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It serves to highlight a discrepancy between an original source and the presented quote, and it is commonly used in neutral contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. Alternatives include "imprecise citation" and "slightly inaccurate quote". When using this phrase, ensure you clarify the degree of inaccuracy and avoid implying malice without evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imprecise citation

Replaces "inexact" with "imprecise", focusing on the lack of exactness in the citation.

slightly inaccurate quote

Uses "slightly inaccurate" instead of "inexact", emphasizing a minor degree of inaccuracy.

partially correct quotation

Highlights that the quotation has elements of correctness, but isn't entirely accurate.

approximate wording

Focuses on the approximate nature of the wording used in the quotation.

loose interpretation

Indicates that the quotation is a flexible or liberal understanding of the original statement.

paraphrased statement

Emphasizes that the quotation has been reworded or summarized, rather than directly cited.

misrepresented excerpt

Suggests that the quotation has been altered in a way that changes its original meaning.

inaccurate paraphrase

Combines the idea of paraphrasing with inaccuracy, highlighting a lack of fidelity to the original.

distorted citation

Indicates that the quotation has been twisted or altered to create a false impression.

unfaithful rendering

Highlights a lack of faithfulness or accuracy in the way the quotation has been presented.

FAQs

How can I use "inexact quotation" in a sentence?

You might say, "The article contained an "inexact quotation" from the author, which misrepresented their views on the topic."

What's a more formal way to say "inexact quotation"?

A more formal alternative is "imprecise citation", which emphasizes the lack of precision in the reference.

Is it always negative to use an "inexact quotation"?

Not necessarily. An "inexact quotation" can simply mean the wording isn't perfectly aligned, but it doesn't automatically imply malicious intent or misrepresentation.

What's the difference between an "inexact quotation" and a "paraphrase"?

A paraphrase is a restatement of someone's ideas in your own words, while an "inexact quotation" suggests an attempt to directly quote, but with some level of inaccuracy. A paraphrase isn't trying to be a direct quote at all.