not precisely determinable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not precisely determinable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something cannot be exactly defined or measured. Example: "The outcome of the experiment was not precisely determinable due to the numerous variables involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not precisely, anyway.

Independent

Not precisely.

The New York Times

The feeling was not precisely sexual.

The New Yorker

Well, maybe not precisely.

The New York Times - Magazine

Crop load was not precisely adjusted.

Cornell University

This is not precisely accidental.

The New York Times

These two volume definitions are generally not precisely equal.

Journal of Computational Physics

Il Gattopardo's meatballs are not precisely balls.

The New York Times - Food

The origins of this influenza variant is not precisely known.

Stanford University

What happened next is not precisely clear.

The New Yorker

You must know the Earth is not precisely inertial.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not precisely determinable", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking precise determination and why. Provide supporting details or explanations to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "not precisely determinable" when a simpler term like "unclear" or "uncertain" would suffice. Choose the most concise and easily understandable phrasing for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not precisely determinable" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that something cannot be exactly or accurately determined. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not precisely determinable" is grammatically sound but appears to be rarely used based on the provided data. As noted by Ludwig, it conveys a lack of precise knowledge or certainty, making it most appropriate in formal or scientific contexts. Alternatives like "not exactly ascertainable" or "difficult to pinpoint" may be suitable depending on the desired level of formality and the specific meaning you aim to convey. Ensure you choose the most precise and clear phrasing for your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not exactly ascertainable

Replaces "precisely" with "exactly" and "determinable" with "ascertainable", emphasizing the difficulty in finding something out exactly.

not accurately measurable

Shifts the focus to measurement, indicating a lack of accuracy in quantifying something.

not readily quantifiable

Highlights the difficulty in expressing something as a numerical value.

not easily defined

Focuses on the lack of a clear and distinct definition.

not clearly established

Suggests that something hasn't been proven or demonstrated with certainty.

difficult to pinpoint

Uses a more informal tone to convey the challenge in identifying something exactly.

hard to specify

Emphasizes the lack of ability to be specific about something.

impossible to determine exactly

Strengthens the original phrase by stating the impossibility of exact determination.

vague and indefinite

Uses two adjectives to describe the lack of clarity and precision.

subject to interpretation

Indicates that the determination depends on individual understanding and perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "not precisely determinable" in a sentence?

You can use "not precisely determinable" to indicate that something cannot be established or measured exactly. For example: "The exact impact of the policy change is "not precisely determinable" at this time."

What are some alternatives to "not precisely determinable"?

Alternatives include "not exactly ascertainable", "not readily quantifiable", or "difficult to pinpoint" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "not precisely determinable"?

Use "not precisely determinable" when you want to emphasize the lack of exactness or certainty in establishing something, often due to complexities or limitations in measurement or understanding.

Is "not precisely determinable" formal or informal?

"Not precisely determinable" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "hard to tell" or "unclear" might be more appropriate.