precise adjective

USAGE SUMMARY

"precise adjective" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe a noun or a verb that has been clearly stated. For example, "He performed a precise operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Really and truly, I think you would have to be doing five or six hours of internet porn a day to find "boring" your precise adjective of choice.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Here he has added wholesale, on the spot, not just one but two rhythmic listings the first of which, in its rolling cascade of precise adjectives ("frustrated and angry and hurting and uncertain"), is itself a good bit of poetry.

The New Yorker

Here he has added wholesale, on the spot, not just one but two rhythmic listings — the first of which, in its rolling cascade of precise adjectives ("frustrated and angry and hurting and uncertain"), is itself a good bit of poetry.

The New Yorker

The trend for piling up pedantically precise adjectives (not just strawberries but crushed strawberries; morello rather than plain old cherries; tapenade rather than olives) is more pronounced in the United States, where the fruit-salad school of tasting note was pioneered and popularised by über-critic Robert Parker.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Carefully choose descriptive verbs and precise adjectives.

WikiHow

Capitalize proper adjectives.

WikiHow

Which makes me think that I would like to see Sasha Frere-Jones describe all of the major rock voices, past and present, with a cluster of three evocative-yet-precise adjectives (preferably with an adverb preceding the second one).

The New York Times

Use accurate adjectives and precise nouns.

WikiHow

Barnett has a charming habit of coining words mid-sentence, adding "ish" to adjectives too precise to commit to.

The New Yorker

It is less precise than the other adjectives she had used earlier – rigorous, intelligent, elegant – and more open to imaginative interpretation.

Independent

The urge to reach for it should be a critic's cue to do more thinking, and yet in the case of Leanne Shapton's new volume, Guestbook, this diaphanous adjective feels oddly precise.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and impact in your writing, choose a "precise adjective" that leaves no room for ambiguity. This enhances the reader's understanding and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid using vague or overly general adjectives when a more "precise adjective" could provide a clearer and more vivid description. For example, instead of "good," consider using adjectives like "excellent", "superb", or "outstanding" to convey a more specific meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precise adjective" functions as a pre-modifying element, specifically highlighting the quality of exactness or accuracy in the adjective being used. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase indicates grammatical correctness, suggesting it adheres to standard English usage. The examples show its use in various contexts, further illustrating its functionality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "precise adjective" is grammatically correct and serves to emphasize the importance of using adjectives that are accurate, specific, and leave little room for ambiguity. While Ludwig indicates that it is a correct construction, its frequency is uncommon. It finds application across various contexts, including news, media, wiki, and science, indicating a neutral to professional register. When writing, consider choosing "precise adjectives" to enhance clarity, and avoid overly general adjectives when greater specificity is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exact adjective

Changes "precise" to "exact", emphasizing accuracy without altering the core meaning.

accurate adjective

Replaces "precise" with "accurate", focusing on correctness and truthfulness in description.

specific adjective

Substitutes "precise" with "specific", highlighting particularity and detail.

well-defined adjective

Uses "well-defined" to suggest clarity and distinctness in the adjective's meaning.

clearly defined adjective

Adds "clearly defined" to emphasize the unambiguous nature of the adjective.

carefully chosen adjective

Focuses on the deliberate selection of the adjective for its precision.

finely tuned adjective

Implies that the adjective has been refined to achieve maximum precision.

exact word

Shifts the focus to the word itself, implying precision in its selection.

fitting adjective

Highlights how well the adjective corresponds to what is described.

appropriate adjective

Emphasizes the suitability and relevance of the adjective.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "precise adjective" in a sentence?

Use "precise adjective" to describe a noun in a way that is very specific and leaves no room for misinterpretation. For example: "The surgeon made a precise incision."

What are some synonyms for the phrase "precise adjective"?

Synonyms include "exact adjective", "accurate adjective", or "specific adjective", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

How does a "precise adjective" differ from a general one?

A "precise adjective" provides a clear and unambiguous description, whereas a general adjective is vague and open to interpretation. For instance, "crimson" is more precise than "red".

Is it always better to use a "precise adjective"?

While precision is often desirable, sometimes a general adjective is sufficient or even preferable for stylistic reasons. The best choice depends on the specific context and the intended effect.