precise question

USAGE SUMMARY

"precise question" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when asking a question that requires a specific, exact answer. For example, "Can you provide the exact time the event starts? That's a very precise question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Giuliani answered first, and Mike Huckabee, in an approximately amusing, snide move, called across the stage to ask him, "Do I need to help you out, Mayor, on this one?" Giuliani, it turned out, needed less help than Romney, who had a more jesuitical response, which didn't precisely answer the very precise question.

The New Yorker

They also characterized precisely the case when there is equality in (7.2) answering a more precise question posed by Suita [110]: Let (M) be a Riemann surface admitting the Green function (which is equivalent to the fact that there exists a bounded nonconstant subharmonic function on (M)).

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

The first is the precise question you asked: Is there a market for a browserless operating system?

The New York Times

Depending on the precise question asked, national surveys show both support for and opposition to the idea of road pricing.

The Economist

She added: "At all times, he was concerned to ensure that he understood the precise question, and the precise premise underlying the question which he was being asked".

The Guardian

"Congress has spoken to the precise question at issue — whether federal funds may be used for research in which an embryo is destroyed," Lamberth wrote.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

evolution knowledge construction, characterization of the methodology validation in science evolution, discussion about proof in science, questioning (other questions, more precise questions); call misconceptions into question.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Then we completed this assessment with a location and an integration of other epistemological change indicators in the following discourses: evolution knowledge construction, characterization of the methodology validation in science evolution, discussion about proof in science, questioning (other questions, more precise questions); call misconceptions into question.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

He said, "Tino's asking very precise questions, and if you ask precise questions you get precise answers.

The New Yorker

Precise questions lead more easily to useful experimentation.

The Guardian

Oh! and don't ask precise questions about money raised or lost either.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "precise question", ensure that the context requires a specific and unambiguous answer. Avoid using it when a general response is acceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "precise question" in informal settings where a relaxed and less formal inquiry is more appropriate. Overusing it can make your speech sound stilted or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precise question" functions as a noun phrase, where "precise" modifies the noun "question". It indicates a request for information that requires accuracy and specificity. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "precise question" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the need for an accurate and specific answer. As demonstrated by the many examples provided by Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in news, science, and formal business contexts. When composing your content, remember that using "precise question" effectively requires clarity, accuracy, and specificity, ensuring that the inquiry is well-defined and avoids vagueness. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it in casual settings to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific question

Emphasizes the particularity and focus of the question.

exact question

Highlights the need for accuracy and detail in the inquiry.

detailed question

Focuses on the level of depth and thoroughness required by the question.

accurate question

Stresses the correctness and validity of the question.

clear question

Highlights the intelligibility and lack of ambiguity in the question.

well-defined question

Indicates the question is clearly formulated and delimited.

explicit question

Emphasizes the direct and unambiguous nature of the inquiry.

pointed question

Suggests the question is direct and aimed at a specific issue.

targeted question

Focuses on the specific target or objective of the question.

pertinent question

Highlights the relevance and importance of the question to the matter at hand.

FAQs

How can I use "precise question" in a sentence?

You can use "precise question" to emphasize the need for a specific and accurate answer. For example, "The lawyer asked a "precise question" to clarify the witness's statement".

What's the difference between "precise question" and "specific question"?

"Precise question" emphasizes accuracy and detail, while "specific question" highlights the focus on a particular aspect. The choice depends on whether accuracy or focus is more important in the context.

Which is correct, "precise question" or "precision question"?

"Precise question" is the commonly used phrase to describe a question requiring an accurate answer. "Precision question" is less common but could be used to refer to a question about the level of accuracy or detail needed.

What can I say instead of "precise question"?

You can use alternatives like "exact question", "detailed question", or "specific question" depending on the context.