painstaking precision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "painstaking precision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in a task or process. Example: "The artist created the sculpture with painstaking precision, ensuring every detail was perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

And Sardou's stage directions are set with painstaking precision.

The New Yorker

With painstaking precision, the boy proceeded to write the word "fart" in thick capital letters on his grandfather's forehead.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the case of the Turner Colour Experiments, painstaking precision has gone into producing deliberately imprecise effects.

Independent

His flat in Minneapolis is a bare space flooded with light, around which he moves quietly and with painstaking precision.

The Guardian - Books

With painstaking precision, the marine biologist selects a mature kelp and cuts it away from the rocks with scissors before taking it home for drying.

The Times

Dr. Kraut, a media-wary social scientist who speaks with painstaking precision, said he was more intrigued than surprised by the latest research results.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The Holden Gallery, Mon to 12 Dec RC Titled Fair Faces, Dark Places, this show of prints and drawings by the late 19th-century Scottish artist harks back to a time when painstaking technical precision could be wielded both to immortalise the living and to give credible life to the farthest reaches of the subconscious.

The Guardian - Arts

Sending soldiers into Iraq's chaotic cityscapes to root out adversaries is painstaking work, requiring precision as troops progressively clear tightly populated areas and identify targets for air or artillery attacks.

The Washington Post

It can be a painstaking process taking precision and hours of stitching images together.

BBC

As with most deep space missions, this one isn't going to lift off until everything is good and ready, which means months or years of precision manufacturing, painstaking assembly and patient testing.

TechCrunch

Her mother — who had never painted anything requiring such scientific precision — took over the painstaking process of illustrating the nests and eggs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes or tasks that demand a high degree of accuracy, use "painstaking precision" to emphasize the careful and thorough nature of the work involved. It's particularly effective when highlighting the expertise or dedication required.

Common error

Avoid using "painstaking precision" in contexts where a general term like "accuracy" or "care" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or repetitive. Consider synonyms like "meticulous accuracy" or "careful exactitude" to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "painstaking precision" functions as a noun phrase, where "painstaking" modifies the noun "precision". According to Ludwig AI, this construction is considered grammatically correct. It describes the manner in which something is done, highlighting the great care and attention to detail involved.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "painstaking precision" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys meticulous accuracy and attention to detail. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. While common in News & Media, Science, and Academia, its usage should be tailored to the formality of the situation, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Consider synonyms like "meticulous accuracy" or "careful exactitude" to maintain variety in your writing. The phrase is most appropriate when emphasizing the high degree of care and accuracy required in a particular task or process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meticulous accuracy

Replaces both the adjective and noun with synonyms conveying a similar level of detail and exactness.

careful exactitude

Substitutes 'precision' with 'exactitude', which has a slightly more formal tone.

thorough exactness

Similar to meticulous accuracy, but replacing 'precision' with 'exactness'.

rigorous accuracy

Highlights the strictness and adherence to standards in achieving precision.

detailed accuracy

Highlights the level of detail involved in achieving accuracy.

extreme thoroughness

Emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the effort involved, rather than the accuracy of the result.

attentive exactitude

Focuses on the attention given to achieving precision.

assiduous precision

Emphasizes the persistent effort applied to achieve precision.

diligent meticulousness

Uses two adjectives to underscore the effort and attention to detail.

conscientious accuracy

Focuses on the moral aspect of ensuring accuracy through carefulness.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "painstaking precision" in a sentence?

Use "painstaking precision" to emphasize the detailed and careful nature of a task or process. For instance, "The surgeon performed the operation with painstaking precision, ensuring minimal risk to the patient."

What are some alternatives to using "painstaking precision"?

You can use alternatives such as "meticulous accuracy", "careful exactitude", or "extreme thoroughness" depending on the specific context.

Is "painstaking accuracy" grammatically different from "painstaking precision"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. However, "painstaking accuracy" emphasizes correctness, while "painstaking precision" focuses on exactness and detail. The choice depends on the specific aspect you want to highlight.

In what contexts is "painstaking precision" most appropriate?

"Painstaking precision" is particularly fitting in contexts where a high degree of detail and accuracy is crucial, such as scientific research, medical procedures, or artistic endeavors. In less formal contexts, simpler terms might be more suitable.