it was precisely that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was precisely that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a specific point or detail that has been previously mentioned, often in response to a question or clarification. Example: "When asked what made the event so memorable, she replied, 'It was precisely that sense of community that brought everyone together.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It was precisely that kind of snippy attitude that had led her to dispense with half-term.

The Guardian

If Wilson did have a vision, it was precisely that: of a party of government whose time had come.

The Guardian

Yet it was precisely that sort of legerdemain — tapping a dicey loan with the magic wand of financialization — which built the mortgage-securitization industry to begin with.

The New Yorker

(Of course, it was precisely that group of voters that sent Mike Huckabee, a Southern Baptist minister, hurtling past Romney in the final weeks of that Iowa campaign).

The New Yorker

It was precisely that problem that sent shockwaves through the world's markets when the Fuld-led Lehman Brothers collapsed in September 2008.

The Guardian - Business

Yet it was precisely that sort of legerdemain tapping a dicey loan with the magic wand of financialization which built the mortgage-securitization industry to begin with.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's precisely that vulnerability that draws people in.

The Guardian

It is precisely that attitude that troubles African musicians.

The New York Times - Arts

It is precisely that weakness that has motivated their nuclear and missile programs.

University of California, Berkeley

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

The New York Times

It's precisely that kind of attitude that perpetuates the abuse sex workers experience.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was precisely that" in formal writing, ensure the tone and context align with the level of emphasis the phrase provides, as it can be quite assertive.

Common error

Avoid using "it was precisely that" repeatedly in close succession, as it can make your writing sound overly emphatic or repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was precisely that" functions as a demonstrative phrase, highlighting and emphasizing a specific detail, idea, or aspect that has been previously mentioned or implied. This type of construction serves to clarify and underscore the speaker's intended meaning, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was precisely that" is a demonstrative phrase used to emphasize a specific point, detail, or aspect that has already been mentioned. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and highlights its communicative purpose to ensure clarity and underscore intended meaning. While generally considered grammatically correct and widely accepted, it is often found in news, academic, and business settings. To prevent overuse, consider related phrases like "that was exactly it" or "it was specifically that" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was exactly it

Emphasizes agreement with or confirmation of a previous statement; more concise.

that's exactly what it was

Expands on the original phrase to add extra emphasis and clarity about the nature of "that".

that was the precise point

Focuses on the idea that something was the exact and intended purpose or issue.

that's the exact reason why

Introduces a cause-and-effect relationship, specifying that a particular reason is the precise one.

it was specifically that

Replaces "precisely" with "specifically", offering a slightly less formal tone but maintaining a similar level of emphasis.

that was the very thing

Highlights that something was the exact item or aspect in question, often with a sense of discovery.

it was just that

Offers a simpler alternative, often implying a slight understatement or qualification.

that was truly it

Adds emotional emphasis using "truly" to underscore the accuracy or importance of a prior statement.

that was quintessentially that

Conveys that something embodies the purest or most representative form of a particular quality or concept.

that was fundamentally that

Emphasizes the elemental or foundational nature of something in relation to a prior statement.

FAQs

What does "it was precisely that" mean?

The phrase "it was precisely that" is used to emphasize that something being discussed is exactly what was intended or meant, leaving no room for misinterpretation. It confirms and highlights a specific aspect or detail.

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

You can use "it was precisely that" to clarify or emphasize a point you've already made. For example, "The team needed a versatile player, and "it was precisely that" which John offered."

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

You can use alternatives like "that was exactly it", "that was the precise point", or "it was specifically that" depending on the context.

Is "it was precisely that" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was precisely that" leans towards a more formal register. While understandable in most contexts, consider a simpler phrase like "that's it" for informal settings.