precisely one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precisely one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the exact quantity of one, often in contexts where precision is important. Example: "The experiment required precisely one milliliter of the solution to achieve accurate results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Although it was not possible to evaluate the PDDM of the wild parent precisely, one QTL was found, on LG4.

Annals of Botany

its time to drink precisely one beer and write it on my calendar.

Huffington Post

Precisely one: its founder, Markus Frind.

The Guardian - Tech

Before the movie, there had been precisely one substantial biography.

The New York Times - Books

Until last Friday, Julian had attended precisely one meeting.

The Guardian - Opinion

The opening set took precisely one minute less than the women's final at 58 minutes.

The Guardian - Sport

That we are what we read isn't precisely one of those delusions.

The New York Times

The new novel by Donna Tartt, The Little Friend, weighs precisely one kilogram.

The Guardian - Books

Half time in extra time: Bayern Munich 1-1 ChelSee See you in precisely one minute.

The Guardian - Sport

But that is precisely one of the images that the new play embraces.

The New York Times

"That's precisely one of the things that's worried us," said Jeffrey Sturchio of Merck & Company.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precisely one" to emphasize accuracy or a strict limitation to a single item, especially in technical or formal contexts. For example: "The protocol requires precisely one measurement per sample."

Common error

Avoid using "precisely one" in casual conversation where "just one" or "only one" would sound more natural. Overusing it can make your speech sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precisely one" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun. It specifies the quantity of the noun it precedes, emphasizing that there is exactly one of that noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "precisely one" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression designed to emphasize the exact quantity of one. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English. While alternatives like "exactly one" or "just one" exist, "precisely one" is particularly useful in formal or technical contexts where clarity and accuracy are paramount. It is observed across various domains, including News & Media and Science, reflecting its versatility in conveying precise information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exactly one

Emphasizes exactness with a slightly different tone.

just one

Less formal alternative indicating only one.

only one

Highlights the singularity of the quantity.

one single

Adds emphasis on the individuality of the one.

specifically one

Highlights the selection of a particular one.

a solitary one

Suggests isolation or uniqueness of the one.

uniquely one

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the single item or instance.

particularly one

Focuses on a specific item from a larger set.

strictly one

Conveys a sense of limitation to only one.

solely one

Highlights that there is only one and no other.

FAQs

What does "precisely one" mean?

The phrase "precisely one" means exactly one, emphasizing the accuracy and absence of any other quantity. It indicates that there is no more and no less than one.

When is it appropriate to use "precisely one" in writing?

Use "precisely one" in formal writing, technical documentation, or any situation where emphasizing exactness is crucial. It is common in scientific papers, legal documents, and instructions where clarity is paramount.

What are some alternatives to "precisely one"?

You can use alternatives such as "exactly one", "just one", or "only one" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "precisely one" redundant?

While some may find it slightly redundant, "precisely one" is used for emphasis and clarity. The addition of "precisely" underscores the exactness and can be helpful in situations where ambiguity must be avoided.