precisely the opposite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precisely the opposite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is completely contrary to what was previously stated or implied. Example: "While some believe that the new policy will improve productivity, I think it will have precisely the opposite effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The opposition hopes for precisely the opposite.

The Economist

But precisely the opposite happened.

The New York Times

Precisely the opposite.

The New Yorker

A networked computer does precisely the opposite.

The New Yorker

MasterChef does precisely the opposite.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indeed, it is precisely the opposite.

The New York Times - Sports

But Zee Town is precisely the opposite.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But it is precisely the opposite.

Huffington Post

I experienced precisely the opposite type of management.

The New York Times

In many cases, government expenditures work precisely the opposite way.

The Economist

But his article does precisely the opposite.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "precisely the opposite", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Make sure the contrast is well-defined.

Common error

Avoid using "precisely the opposite" when the situation is only partially different. This phrase indicates a complete reversal, not a slight variation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precisely the opposite" functions as an emphatic expression of contradiction. It directly negates a preceding statement, assertion, or expectation. Ludwig indicates its proper usage and frequent appearance in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precisely the opposite" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize a complete reversal or contradiction. Ludwig's analysis reveals its widespread presence in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, reinforcing its versatility. As Ludwig AI indicates, its clarity and directness render it suitable across diverse registers, cautioning only against its misuse in cases of partial, rather than complete, opposition. Alternatives such as "exactly the reverse" and "quite the contrary" offer subtle variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exactly the reverse

Emphasizes a complete reversal, similar to the original phrase but with different wording.

quite the contrary

Indicates a direct contradiction, offering a slightly more formal tone.

just the opposite

A more casual way of expressing a complete reversal.

the complete opposite

Highlights the totality of the contrast.

the very opposite

Emphasizes the extreme nature of the contrast.

diametrically opposed

Suggests a strong and irreconcilable difference.

in stark contrast

Highlights the obvious and significant difference.

the antithesis

Refers to a direct opposite or contrast.

the reverse is true

States that the opposite situation is actually the case.

on the flip side

Introduces an opposing viewpoint or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "precisely the opposite" in a sentence?

Use "precisely the opposite" to strongly emphasize that a situation is the complete reverse of what was previously stated or implied. For example, "While some expect costs to decrease, I believe "precisely the opposite" will occur."

What phrases are similar to "precisely the opposite"?

Alternatives include "exactly the reverse", "quite the contrary", or "just the opposite". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "precisely opposite" without the "the"?

While understandable, "precisely opposite" is less common and less emphatic than "precisely the opposite". The inclusion of "the" makes the phrase more idiomatic and natural-sounding.

Can "precisely the opposite" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "precisely the opposite" is suitable for formal writing. It is frequently used in news articles, academic papers, and professional reports to indicate a clear and direct contradiction.