precisely enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precisely enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is accurate to a satisfactory degree or meets a specific requirement without excess. Example: "The measurements were precisely enough to ensure the project was completed without any errors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

NBC had precisely enough time for it.

The New York Times

It was worn, so it wasn't locating the shaft precisely enough.

The New York Times - Magazine

Existing data, mostly taken from surveys, are not up to the task of specifying social capital precisely enough.

The Economist

Beyond that, the light can't be focused precisely enough to write structures like transistors on the chip.

The New York Times - Tech

Unfortunately, it was not until the 1960s that the hydrogen-to-helium ratio became known precisely enough to test the theory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The lack of three working wheels probably robs it of the ability to point precisely enough to detect Earth-size planets.

The New York Times - Science

(While a touchpad or pointing stick might work for some slower-paced strategy games, it is hard to use either device precisely enough for action gaming).

The New York Times - Tech

Mann said MPs had "not homed in precisely enough" on Osborne's answers about welfare and the chancellor would face more forensic questioning in the committee.

The Guardian

His melodies are as sturdy as mountain ballads, and he accompanied himself with intricate fingerpicking and chords strummed precisely enough to ring with selected overtones.

The New York Times - Arts

Thus, if we measure the processes at the LHC precisely enough, we might be able to distinguish supersymmetry from the Standard Model.

The Guardian

The best stories here keep the rhetoric fierce and astringent; the lesser ones feel as if too much has been said, yet not quite precisely enough.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precisely enough" when you want to convey that a level of accuracy or detail is sufficient for a specific purpose, without being excessive. For instance, "The data was measured "precisely enough" to draw meaningful conclusions."

Common error

Avoid pairing "precisely enough" with other words that reiterate the same concept, such as "absolutely precisely enough". This can lead to redundancy and weaken your writing. Instead, let "precisely enough" stand alone to convey the intended meaning effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precisely enough" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the degree to which an action or state is performed or achieved. Ludwig AI shows it commonly modifies verbs related to measurement, calculation, and achieving required standards. This is validated by Ludwig which confirms that it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0.01%

Reference

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "precisely enough" functions as an adverbial modifier, used to express that something is accurate or sufficient to a necessary degree. Ludwig AI considers this phrase grammatically correct. Analysis of usage patterns indicates it's commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources. For alternatives, consider phrases like "sufficiently accurate" or "adequately exact", to convey similar shades of meaning. Remember to avoid redundancy by not pairing it with similar modifiers. Use this phrase to improve clarity and preciseness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently precise

Highlights the precision aspect, implying a level of accuracy that meets the requirements.

sufficiently accurate

Focuses on the accuracy aspect, implying a level of correctness that meets the requirements.

adequately exact

Highlights the exactness, suggesting a level of precision that is satisfactory for the purpose.

adequately accurate

Focuses on the accuracy, suggesting it's acceptable but not necessarily perfect.

exactly sufficient

Emphasizes the sufficiency of the exactness, indicating that the level of precision is just right.

perfectly adequate

Underlines both the perfection and adequacy, indicating a high degree of suitability.

commensurately accurate

Implies the accuracy is in proportion or agreement with something else, adding a relational aspect.

fittingly exact

Suggests the exactness is appropriate or suitable for a specific context or purpose.

just right

An informal way of saying something meets the requirements, both in precision and quantity.

close enough

Indicates an approximation that is acceptable, even if not perfectly precise.

FAQs

How can I use "precisely enough" in a sentence?

Use "precisely enough" to indicate that something is accurate or sufficient to a required degree. For example, "The instrument was calibrated "precisely enough" to detect subtle changes."

What are some alternatives to "precisely enough"?

You can use alternatives such as "sufficiently accurate", "adequately exact", or "exactly sufficient" depending on the context.

Is "precisely enough" formal or informal?

"Precisely enough" is generally considered neutral to formal in tone, suitable for both professional and academic writing.

What's the difference between "precisely enough" and "just enough"?

"Precisely enough" emphasizes accuracy and exactness to a required degree, while "just enough" simply indicates that something meets the minimum requirement.