precisely like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precisely like that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is exactly as described or demonstrated. Example: "When you demonstrate the technique, make sure to do it precisely like that to ensure everyone understands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

O.K., my one prediction is that events won't unfold precisely like that.

The New York Times

We didn't take anyone precisely like that but bringing in Benny Carbone has given us a similar lift.

The Guardian - Sport

Anyone who has lived in this part of the world for any length of time knows that those are the kind of cylinders that everyone uses for domestic purposes, and often are transported in vehicles precisely like that.

The New York Times

The confrontation between analysts and impressionists is precisely like that, with the statistical analyst — the Jonah Hill character in "Moneyball," the movie — and Billy Beane on one side, and all those scouts and baseball pros on the other.

The New Yorker

For a beginner, it's probably best to remember that the setter may not be saying "the wordplay will produce a sound precisely like that of the answer", but "they might sound a bit alike, depending on your background" - rather like the quick-crosswords gags in the Independent and the Telegraph, where you can read the top row aloud and hear something like "BILLY COWS".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It has become commonplace to say that enough was known about Trump's shady business before he was elected; his followers voted for him precisely because they liked that he was someone willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, and they also believe that all rich businesspeople have to do shady things from time to time.

The New Yorker

I think we won only narrowly precisely because, during the campaign, posters like that did enormous damage".

The Guardian

Actually, I'm a sucker for that kind of fiction, which makes for great escapism precisely because real life is nothing like that.

The Guardian - Books

But the kinds of truth about which the pagan Greeks -- who lived in intimate, unsentimental and regular contact with death, violence and warfare -- had no illusions are precisely those that we like to play down or bury under sentimental and infantilizing trappings: adorable bears, cutesy eagles, rag-doll gods and goddesses.

The New York Times - Magazine

What he liked was precisely that it wasn't a carbon copy of the Swedish series.

Independent

The fact that the mirrors can be tweaked so precisely means that, like the Hubble space telescope, the JWST will be launched into space with its mirror out of focus.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precisely like that" to draw a clear and unmistakable comparison, ensuring your audience understands the similarity you are highlighting. This is especially useful in technical descriptions or instructions where accuracy is key.

Common error

Avoid using "precisely like that" in casual conversation where simpler alternatives such as "just like that" or "exactly like that" are more appropriate. Overuse can make your speech sound stilted or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precisely like that" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause by specifying the manner in which something is done or the degree to which something resembles something else. Ludwig AI confirms its primary use is for making comparisons.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "precisely like that" is used to emphasize the accuracy or close similarity of something to a preceding reference. While grammatically correct, it is relatively infrequent and leans towards formal contexts. Ludwig AI identifies it primarily as an adverbial phrase used for comparison. When writing, consider the setting: in technical or professional environments, it can add clarity, but in casual conversations, simpler alternatives might be more suitable. Ludwig's examples show it appears more often in news and media than in formal business or wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exactly like that

Emphasizes exact similarity with a slight increase in directness.

just like that

Indicates a sudden or immediate similarity, implying ease or simplicity.

in that precise manner

Replaces the demonstrative pronoun 'that' with 'manner' introducing a formal style.

identically in that way

Emphasizes identical action using 'way' which is slightly less common than 'manner'

in exactly that fashion

Substitutes "like" with "fashion" and it increases formality.

precisely in that style

Replaces "like" with "style" suggesting a specific aesthetic or method.

in that very manner

Emphasizes the specific manner with "very", which adds emphasis.

completely analogous to that

Uses "analogous" to highlight similarity, shifting the focus to comparison.

correspondingly in that form

Emphasizes a direct correspondence, altering the focus to structural similarity.

to that precise degree

Focuses on the extent or measure of similarity, changing the aspect of comparison.

FAQs

What does "precisely like that" mean?

The phrase "precisely like that" is used to emphasize that something is exactly or very closely similar to something else that has been mentioned or demonstrated.

How can I use "precisely like that" in a sentence?

You can use "precisely like that" to indicate that an action, appearance, or method should be replicated exactly. For example: "When you demonstrate the technique, make sure to do it "precisely like that" to ensure everyone understands."

What are some alternatives to "precisely like that"?

Alternatives include "exactly like that", "just like that", or "in that precise manner" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "precisely like that" formal or informal?

"Precisely like that" leans towards the formal side but is acceptable in neutral contexts. For very informal settings, "just like that" may be more suitable.