or to be more precise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "or to be more precise" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used when additional specificity or clarification is needed. For example, "The estimated completion date is sometime in December, or to be more precise, the 15th."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And then another volunteer would suggest talking points that attendees could use to counter the Gardner talking points—or, to be more precise, the presumed Gardner talking points.

The New Yorker

Or to be more precise, zebrafish.

Independent

Or, to be more precise, plunging.

The Guardian - Travel

Or, to be more precise, Kelvin's war.

The Guardian

Or to be more precise, it was a scapegoat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or to be more precise, nine to five fifteen.

The Guardian

Or, to be more precise, on my dad.

The Guardian - Sport

Or, to be more precise, the non-Sarah Palin rally.

The New York Times

Or, to be more precise, biology plus geography equals destiny.

The New York Times

I have even heard it explained as "ladies' underwear" or, to be more precise, "chastity belt".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The second is the inclusion of the public--or to be more precise, publics--in all these processes.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "or to be more precise" when you want to refine a previous statement, providing additional clarity or detail. This phrase is useful for ensuring your message is accurately understood.

Common error

Avoid using "or to be more precise" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your text sound repetitive and interrupt the flow of your ideas. Instead, vary your clarifying phrases and ensure each use adds significant value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "or to be more precise" functions as a discourse marker or conjunctive adverb. It signals a shift in the speaker's or writer's focus towards providing a more accurate or detailed version of a previously mentioned point. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase commonly links two related statements, where the second clarifies the first.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "or to be more precise" is a valuable tool for enhancing clarity and accuracy in communication. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it genuinely adds value by providing significant refinement to the previous statement. While it is perfectly acceptable in formal writing, its neutral register makes it suitable for a range of situations. Alternatives such as "more specifically" or "to clarify" can be used to avoid repetition. Remember, the goal is to communicate effectively and precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more specifically

Focuses directly on providing a more specific detail without the introductory conjunction.

more exactly

Similar to "more specifically" but emphasizes exactness.

to be exact

A shorter, more direct way of indicating greater precision.

to put it more accurately

Emphasizes the intention to improve the accuracy of a previous statement.

stated more precisely

Highlights that the revised statement is formulated with better precision.

precisely

A single-word substitute that emphasizes accuracy.

in other words

Signals a rephrasing or clarification of the previous statement.

namely

Introduces a specific example or detail.

to clarify

Directly indicates that the following statement will provide clarification.

that is to say

Introduces an explanation or restatement of the preceding idea.

FAQs

How can I use "or to be more precise" in a sentence?

Use "or to be more precise" to introduce a more accurate or detailed version of a previous statement. For example, "The meeting is scheduled for next week, or to be more precise, on Tuesday morning."

What are some alternatives to "or to be more precise"?

You can use alternatives like "more specifically", "to clarify", or "that is to say" to introduce a more exact or detailed statement.

When is it appropriate to use "or to be more precise"?

It's appropriate to use "or to be more precise" when you want to refine a previous statement and provide additional clarity or detail to ensure accurate understanding.

Is there a difference between "or to be more precise" and "or to be more exact"?

While both phrases serve a similar purpose, "or to be more precise" emphasizes accuracy and detail, while "or to be more exact" focuses on absolute correctness. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.