precisely so that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precisely so that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific purpose or intention behind an action or statement. Example: "She studied late into the night, precisely so that she would be prepared for the exam the next day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or did he become a therapist precisely so that his patients would act out for him?

The New Yorker

The resource allocation process is fragmented precisely so that it can be responsive to local wants.

Harvard Business Review

They had all travelled to Belgium and Italy precisely so that important matters could be shared.

The New Yorker

Mr Zhang counters that he took the exam precisely so that he would not end up like the noodle-vendor.

The Economist

That embargo is arranged precisely so that the person will be as candid as he or she can.

The New York Times

"We want that waived precisely so that we don't have to depose investigators but can get the information from reporters".

The New York Times

She chooses the level of detail precisely, so that we see the virtual reality but do not lose the plot.

The New York Times - Books

He used about 10 cm of the rib, measuring precisely so that the patient's upper and lower teeth would line up neatly once the surgery was complete.

Stanford University

However in the real world, people do sometimes choose a diet soda precisely so that they can use those calories later in the day for a dessert.

Harvard University

RYAN LIZZA: Seems to me Obama has it backwards — our military is unified/works as team precisely so that our politics can be divisive & full of conflict.

The New Yorker

It is about having a working policy that carries confidence precisely so that we can be fair as a society to immigrants.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precisely so that" to connect actions with specific, well-defined reasons, especially in formal writing or when emphasizing the deliberate nature of an action.

Common error

Avoid using "precisely so that" with vague or unclear intentions. The phrase implies a high degree of specificity, so the purpose should be equally clear and direct. For example, don't say "He worked hard precisely so that things would get better"—clarify what specific improvements he aimed for.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precisely so that" functions as a purpose clause connector, indicating a specific intention or reason behind an action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and serves to link an action with its intended outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precisely so that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves as a purpose clause connector. It's most commonly found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and the phrase is best used to emphasize the specific intention behind an action, adding clarity and precision to your writing. When aiming for a less formal tone, consider using simpler alternatives such as "so that" or "in order to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exactly in order that

Replaces "precisely" with "exactly", emphasizing accuracy and purpose.

specifically in order to

Highlights the deliberate and particular intention behind an action.

just so as to

Conveys a sense of purpose and intent, albeit slightly less formal.

expressly for the purpose of

Formal and emphasizes the explicit intent behind an action.

with the express intention of

Highlights the clear and stated aim of a particular action.

purely to

Emphasizes the single and uncomplicated reason for doing something.

solely that

Highlights the exclusive and unique reason for an action or decision.

for the explicit reason that

Formal and stresses the openly stated justification for something.

to the end that

Indicates a goal or outcome that is being actively pursued.

in the precise hope that

Conveys a hopefulness that is very specific and well-defined.

FAQs

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

Use "precisely so that" to introduce a clause that explains the specific reason or intention behind an action. For example: "She studied late into the night, precisely so that she would be prepared for the exam the next day."

What are some alternatives to "precisely so that"?

You can use alternatives like "exactly in order that", "specifically in order to", or "just so as to" depending on the context.

What does "precisely so that" emphasize in a sentence?

The phrase "precisely so that" emphasizes the specific and intentional nature of an action or decision. It highlights that something is done with a clear and defined purpose in mind.

Is "precisely so that" appropriate for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "precisely so that" is more suited for formal or professional writing. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "so that" or "in order to" may be more appropriate.