it was precisely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was precisely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the exactness or accuracy of a statement or situation. Example: "It was precisely at noon when the ceremony began, marking the start of the festivities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was precisely at this time that the system reached its peak of lethality.

The New York Times - Books

But for critics it was precisely that.

The New York Times

And it was precisely engaging.

Harvard Business Review

It was precisely 250 grams.

The New York Times - Food

It was precisely 8 46 a.m.

The New York Times

It was precisely this kind of control the Board approved.

Cornell University

It was precisely what Bragg wanted him to believe.

The New York Times

It was precisely what is being said now".

The Guardian

It was precisely this that Mr Vanunu sought to stimulate..

The Guardian

And it was precisely that type of search that took place in this case.

Cornell University

But it was precisely as a counterweight to Mr Brown that Mr Mandelson was most valuable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was precisely" to emphasize a specific detail or moment, lending a sense of accuracy and importance to your statement. For instance, "It was precisely at that moment that I realized the significance of her words."

Common error

Avoid using "it was precisely" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it was exactly" or "it was just" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was precisely" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause, emphasizing the accuracy or exactness of a statement. As Ludwig AI shows, it is commonly used to highlight specific details or moments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was precisely" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction used to emphasize the exactness or accuracy of a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears predominantly in news and media sources, alongside academic and scientific contexts, lending a sense of formality and specificity. When writing, remember to use it to highlight critical details but avoid overuse in casual contexts to maintain a natural tone. Remember, you can consider alternatives like "it was exactly" or "it was specifically", depending on the nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was exactly

Replaces 'precisely' with 'exactly', maintaining the emphasis on accuracy.

it was specifically

Substitutes 'precisely' with 'specifically', highlighting a particular detail.

it was accurately

Emphasizes the correctness of a statement or measurement.

it was correctly

Focuses on the absence of errors or mistakes.

it was just

Uses 'just' instead of 'precisely' for a slightly less formal tone while still indicating exactness.

it was strictly

Highlights adherence to a specific rule or condition.

it was rigorously

Indicates that something was done with great care and accuracy.

it was truly

Emphasizes the authenticity or genuineness of a statement.

that's the precise

Switches the sentence structure to put emphasis on the noun following "precise".

that was the exact

Modifies the sentence structure and exchanges 'precisely' with 'exact'.

FAQs

How can I use "it was precisely" in a sentence?

Use "it was precisely" to emphasize the accuracy or exactness of something, such as a time, measurement, or detail. For example, "It was precisely 3:00 PM when the meeting began."

What are some alternatives to "it was precisely"?

Some alternatives include "it was exactly", "it was specifically", or "it was just". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was precisely" formal or informal?

"It was precisely" leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, "it was exactly" or "it was just" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "it was precisely" and "it was exactly"?

While both phrases emphasize accuracy, "it was precisely" carries a slightly stronger sense of meticulousness or formality compared to "it was exactly". The difference is subtle but can impact the overall tone.