please be precise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please be precise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting someone to provide clear and exact information or details. Example: "In your report, please be precise about the data sources you used."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Please be precise: prokaryotes, eukaryotes?

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Given that eLife is a broad interest journal, please be more precise when discussing "pre-existing parasitism genes" and similar.

eLife

Please, please be sincere.

WikiHow

To be precise: George Prescott Garnica Bush.

The Guardian

Bagdad, Florida, to be precise.

The Economist

43 marathons to be precise.

Independent

My history, to be precise.

The New York Times

An opossum, to be precise.

The New York Times

Three accordions, to be precise.

The New York Times

Ninety percent, to be precise.

The New York Times

"Hostel & Suites," to be precise.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please be precise" in technical writing, follow up with specific examples or instructions to guide the other person on what kind of precision you are looking for.

Common error

Avoid using "please be precise" in casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or demanding. Opt for simpler phrases like "can you explain that better?" or "what exactly do you mean?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please be precise" functions as an imperative, specifically a polite request or instruction. It directs the listener or reader to provide accurate and detailed information, minimizing ambiguity. Ludwig examples show this being used in academic and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33.3%

Science

33.3%

Wiki

33.3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "please be precise" is a polite and direct way to request accuracy and detail in communication. While grammatically sound, according to Ludwig AI, it's relatively rare and best suited for neutral to formal contexts like scientific discussions, technical writing, or professional reports. To avoid sounding overly demanding in casual conversations, consider using softer alternatives such as "could you clarify?" or "can you give me more details?". Remember that precision involves providing specific information and avoiding vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

please be specific

Focuses on asking for detailed information rather than general accuracy.

please be explicit

Emphasizes the need for clear and unambiguous communication.

please clarify

Directly requests a clearer explanation of something.

please elaborate

Asks for more details and expansion on a particular point.

please provide details

Requests the provision of specific details about a topic.

please be more descriptive

Requests a more detailed and vivid account.

could you be more specific

A polite way of asking for more detailed information.

can you specify

A direct question asking for specific information.

please define your terms

Requests that the speaker clearly define the terms they are using.

please offer greater detail

Asks for more thorough and extensive information.

FAQs

How can I use "please be precise" in a sentence?

You can use "please be precise" when asking someone to provide more accurate or detailed information. For instance, "In your report, "please be precise" about the data sources you used."

What's the difference between "please be specific" and "please be precise"?

"Please be specific" asks for more details, whereas "please be precise" requests accuracy and exactness. You might say "please be specific about the budget allocation" to get more detail, but ""please be precise" with the measurements" to ensure accuracy.

What can I say instead of "please be precise"?

Alternatives include "please be exact", "please be clear", or "please elaborate" depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it rude to say "please be precise"?

While generally polite due to the inclusion of "please", the phrase can sound demanding in informal settings. In such cases, softer alternatives like "could you clarify?" or "can you give me more details?" might be more appropriate.