precise reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precise reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting or emphasizing the need for a clear and accurate response to a question or situation. Example: "In order to proceed with the project, I need a precise reply regarding the budget allocation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Kratovil, who narrowly won a Maryland district that Obama lost to John McCain by 18 points, does not remember his precise reply to Perriello.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

One professor of biology, when asked to be more precise, replied "bombs, rockets, radios".

The Guardian - Books

She doesn't present it as a place that needs explaining, and it is both the great strength and the great limitation of her work that although she provides detailed and precise replies to Shreve's first two questions she has almost nothing to tell us about the other two.

The New York Times - Books

"Short, accurate, and precise," he replied.

The New York Times - Sports

'We enjoy being forced' "I would be more precise, even," he replies.

The Guardian - Film

Ann Donovan, a spokeswoman for Cambridge, said Mr. Lammy was mistaken to claim the university had no black academics, although when asked for a precise figure she replied: "We don't know, because we have no way of knowing.

The New York Times

On March 12 , 1819 John Keats, in a letter to his brother and sister, asked them to give him in their reply a precise description of where they were sitting in the room as they wrote.

The New York Times - Books

He has the classically measured, understated manner of a traditional academic, and thinks for so long before answering some questions that I wonder if his mind has wandered off, until he delivers a very precise and cautiously qualified reply.

The Guardian - Books

Anyone tracking a person, vehicle or a shipment in transit could send a message out over the ReFlex network, and receive a reply giving its precise location.

Forbes

Kurtis Guthrie replied with a precise header only for Ajala's strike to make it 3-1 after good work by Aaron Downes.

BBC

"They were laughing with each other," she replied, making a precise distinction.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precise reply" when you need a response that is not only correct but also avoids ambiguity and provides specific details. It is particularly useful in formal or technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "precise reply" in casual conversations. Simpler terms like "clear answer" or "specific response" are often more appropriate for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precise reply" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "precise" modifies the noun "reply". It emphasizes the accuracy and detail required in a response, indicating a need for clarity and specificity, confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "precise reply" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that combines an adjective and a noun to emphasize the need for an accurate and detailed response. Though it's not very common, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is most appropriately used in neutral to formal contexts, especially in news, scientific, and academic settings, to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. When a less formal tone is desired, alternatives such as "accurate answer" or "detailed response" can be used. While "precise reply" is acceptable, it should be used judiciously to maintain a natural and appropriate style in various communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accurate answer

Replaces "reply" with "answer" and emphasizes correctness.

detailed response

Substitutes "reply" with "response", highlighting thoroughness.

specific answer

Emphasizes the directness and focus of the answer.

exact answer

Focuses on the accuracy and correctness of the reply.

clear response

Highlights the clarity and understandability of the response.

explicit answer

Emphasizes the explicitness and unambiguity of the answer.

thorough response

Highlights that the answer is well-explained and complete.

careful answer

Highlights that the answer is elaborated with care.

well-defined response

Highlights that the answer is well-structured and explained.

meticulous answer

Emphasizes the detailed and careful nature of the answer.

FAQs

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

You can use "precise reply" when asking for or giving a very accurate and detailed answer. For example, "In order to make a decision, we need a "precise reply" from the accounting department regarding the budget."

What can I say instead of "precise reply"?

You can use alternatives like "accurate answer", "detailed response", or "specific answer", depending on the context.

Is "precise answer" the same as "precise reply"?

While similar, "precise answer" is often used in situations where correctness is key. "Precise reply" can also imply thoroughness and attention to detail in addition to accuracy.

When should I use "precise reply" over a simpler term like "answer"?

Use "precise reply" when you need more than just a general response; you need one that is exact, clear, and thorough, leaving no room for misinterpretation. It's best in formal or technical settings.