precisely

USAGE SUMMARY

"precisely" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb meaning exactly or precisely, or being in precise agreement with something. Example: I was precisely on time for the meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A ba-boom - but worse things happen in the world.' He thinks the key to the success of modern cracker jokes is precisely because they're not funny.

The Guardian

I think they want precisely to be "particularly provocative".

The Guardian - Opinion

More precisely, I don't think email ought to die completely.

The Guardian - Tech

Lawyers dispute precisely when that referendum would be triggered by the act, but it is agreed an increase in majority voting at EU level, so reducing national sovereingty, would require a referendum.

The Guardian

On the other, he just looks a total tool when he accuses politicians and the media of obfuscating and ducking questions when he then does precisely the same, and with added bully-boy petulant aggression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Incidentally, Crumb and his colleagues and backers aren't positioning their business as a way to speculate on gold prices, although even a casual glance at the company's stock price suggests that's precisely how some of their investors view it.

The Guardian - Money

We don't know precisely how quickly syncing over Wi-Fi and especially 3G will work (especially with larger photos from the newer iPhone 4S).

The Guardian - Tech

The reason so many new drugs are appearing is precisely because we keep banning them.

The Guardian

Listen to the line: "All my cares just drift right into space", and how the word "space" sounds precisely like breathing out slowly and looking up at a huge blue sky.

The Guardian - Music

Journalists – especially wire reporters – rarely comment on this, precisely because it is trivial.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jones told Turnbull that because he had had dinner with Palmer, a trenchant critic of Abbott, "people" were suggesting that "precisely because you have no hope ever of being the leader again – you have got that into your head, no hope ever – that because of that you are happy to chuck a few bombs around that might blow up Abbott a bit, that is what they are saying".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precisely" to add emphasis when you want to highlight the accuracy or exactness of something. It can make your statement sound more formal and deliberate.

Common error

While "precisely" can add emphasis, overusing it can make your writing sound stiff or pretentious. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "exactly", "specifically", or "accurately" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "precisely" functions to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, emphasizing accuracy and exactness. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precisely" is a versatile adverb used to emphasize accuracy and exactness in a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and its prevalent use, particularly in journalistic contexts as exemplified by sources like The Guardian. While "precisely" is commonly used, it is advisable to avoid overusing it so the tone of writing will not sound too stiff. Consider using synonyms such as "exactly", "accurately", or "specifically" depending on the context for maintaining a natural flow of language. Use "precisely" to add emphasis when you want to highlight the accuracy or exactness of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exactly

A more common and general synonym for "precisely", indicating accuracy or correctness.

correctly

Focuses on the absence of errors and adherence to standards.

accurately

Focuses on the correctness and truthfulness of a statement or action.

specifically

Highlights a particular detail or aspect, indicating a narrow focus.

definitely

Emphasizes certainty or without any question.

absolutely

Indicates complete agreement or certainty.

explicitly

Emphasizes clarity and leaving no room for interpretation.

unerringly

Implies an impeccable level of precision and accuracy.

in detail

Indicates that something is explained or shown minutely and comprehensively.

to the letter

Implies that instructions or rules are followed with complete exactitude.

FAQs

How to use "precisely" in a sentence?

"Precisely" is an adverb that emphasizes accuracy or exactness. For instance, you might say, "That is "precisely" what I meant" or "The measurements must be "precisely" aligned".

What can I say instead of "precisely"?

You can use alternatives like "exactly", "accurately", or "specifically" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "precisely" or "precise"?

"Precisely" is an adverb, while "precise" is an adjective. Use "precise" to describe a noun (e.g., "a precise measurement"), and "precisely" to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb (e.g., "precisely measured", "precisely accurate", "done precisely").

What's the difference between "exactly" and "precisely"?

While "exactly" and "precisely" are often interchangeable, "precisely" tends to convey a higher degree of formality and emphasis on accuracy. "Exactly" is more commonly used in everyday conversation, whereas "precisely" can add a touch of formality or emphasize strict adherence to detail.