it is precisely that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is precisely that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a specific point or idea that has been previously mentioned, often to clarify or reinforce a statement. Example: "The issue at hand is not just a minor inconvenience; it is precisely that which undermines our entire project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is precisely that attitude that troubles African musicians.

The New York Times - Arts

And I mean no disrespect by that: it is precisely that whimsical attitude that charms me.

The New York Times

It is precisely that element of enclosed animalism I find missing here.

The Guardian

It is precisely that sort of dispute that the current Congressional bills are meant to preclude.

The New York Times

But now, analysts say, it is precisely that explanation that is starting to cool public opinion of the prime minister.

The New York Times

And it is precisely that type of familiarity that will be harder to find once the new 18-team league settles in.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is precisely that ability to conceal those vices from yourself and everyone else that in my view makes you dangerous," Judge John Cleland said at the sentencing.

The New Yorker

By the same token, it is precisely that distance that some political insiders seize on to criticize academics for a somewhat naïve view of politics.

The New York Times

But it is precisely that sense of disconnection, comparable in many ways to the disillusionment felt by young Germans, that has sapped energy among Mr. Obama's base and led to protest movements like Occupy and the Tea Party.

The New York Times

It is precisely that two-tier labor market that Prime Minister Mario Monti is proposing to correct with changes to Italian law that are the subject of intense, politically delicate negotiations.

The New York Times

It is precisely that approach that enhances the abusers' ability to continue to molest by creating a sense of fear and shame of reporting and a culture of blaming the victim coupled with disbelief when it is reported.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is precisely that" to underscore a specific detail or argument you want to emphasize, ensuring clarity and focus for your reader. It's particularly effective when responding to a counterargument or clarifying a complex issue.

Common error

Avoid using "it is precisely that" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound stilted or unnatural in relaxed settings; opt for simpler phrases like "that's it" or "exactly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is precisely that" functions as an emphatic determiner. It highlights a specific element mentioned previously, reinforcing its importance or accuracy within the discourse. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is precisely that" is a valuable phrase for adding emphasis and clarity to your writing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in news, media, and scientific contexts. While it's a powerful tool for emphasizing specific points, remember to use it judiciously, especially in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. By understanding its function and register, you can effectively use this phrase to enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's exactly it

Replaces "precisely" with "exactly" offering a more conversational tone but keeping the emphasis.

that is the exact point

Substitutes "precisely that" with "the exact point", focusing on the core issue being emphasized.

that's precisely the reason

Specifically identifies something as the exact cause or justification.

that's just the thing

Uses a more informal idiom to indicate agreement or highlight a key element.

that is quite right

Offers a formal affirmation emphasizing agreement with a preceding statement.

that is the crux of the matter

Emphasizes that something is the most important part of a situation.

that is what I mean

Clarifies a previous statement by explicitly stating that it reflects the speaker's intent.

that's the heart of it

Uses a metaphorical expression to highlight the central or most important aspect.

that's spot on

Employs an informal expression indicating complete accuracy or agreement.

that hits the nail on the head

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate that a statement is perfectly correct.

FAQs

How can I use "it is precisely that" in a sentence?

Use "it is precisely that" to emphasize a particular aspect or reason. For example, "The problem isn't the cost; "it is precisely that" the benefits are unclear".

What can I say instead of "it is precisely that"?

Alternatives include "that's exactly it", "that is the exact point", or "that is what I mean", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "it is precisely that" in formal writing?

Yes, "it is precisely that" is suitable for formal writing. It adds emphasis and clarity, making it appropriate for academic papers, business reports, and other professional documents.

What's the difference between "it is precisely that" and "it is simply that"?

"It is precisely that" emphasizes a specific point with great accuracy, while "it is simply that" introduces a basic or straightforward explanation. The former is used for emphasis, the latter for simplification.