precisely then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precisely then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific moment in time or to emphasize the exact timing of an event or action. Example: "The decision was made, and precisely then, everything changed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Or, if not her precisely, then everything she represented.

The Guardian - Books

If this finding has been proved precisely, then it is certain that all things will enter another phase".

The New York Times

She placed her textbook on top of her notebook, centering it precisely, then raised her head and waited for me to say something.

The New Yorker

Pressed for the nature of his injury, Berdych said, "Why you always want to know it precisely?" Then he said, "I don't even know".

The New York Times - Sports

If a guard said he would be calling at the tailor's hut to pick up his new overcoat at precisely 4pm, he would appear precisely then.

The Guardian - Film

Chailly described Sogno (Ma Forse No) (A Dream - Or Was It?), based on Pirandello, as "a key point in my development: precisely then (1972) I embarked on my third, 'deformalised' period".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Querida Q.: I hope that you are feeling, if not precisely better, then at least not so demoralized.

The New Yorker

By Junot Díaz Querida Q.: I hope that you are feeling, if not precisely better, then at least not so demoralized.

The New Yorker

It was made from finely ground nylon powder that had been precisely melted, then left to solidify into a filigree pattern.

The New Yorker

More precisely, if, then is an element of.

Boundary Value Problems

More precisely, if, then we have from (24) (24).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precisely then" to emphasize the exact timing of an event, especially when the precision is important to the narrative or explanation. It can add a sense of formality or emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "precisely then" in very casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "right then" or "at that moment" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your language sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precisely then" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the exact timing of an event or action. Ludwig examples shows its use to pinpoint a moment in time with emphasis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "precisely then" serves to highlight the exact moment in time when something occurs. While grammatically correct and usable, as confirmed by Ludwig, it leans towards a more formal register, making it suitable for news, scientific writing, and situations where precision is key. Alternatives like "exactly at that moment" or "right at that time" may be more appropriate in informal contexts. It's important to note its Uncommon usage frequency and best practice is to ensure the emphasis on exact timing it provides is genuinely needed. Overuse can lead to stilted writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exactly at that moment

Focuses on the specific timing, emphasizing exactness.

at that precise instant

Emphasizes the pinpoint accuracy in time.

right at that time

Highlights the timing with a sense of immediacy.

at that very second

Conveys a sense of immediacy and specificity.

immediately afterwards

Shifts focus to the immediate consequence in time.

subsequently at that point

Formally indicates the timing in a sequence of events.

at the stroke of

Implies an event happening at the exact moment of a time indication.

upon that occasion

Highlights the concurrence of a certain event happening at the same time of a previous event.

at the appointed hour

Emphasizes the timing as predetermined or scheduled.

punctually at that time

Highlights the emphasis on how it happened at that time

FAQs

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

Use "precisely then" to emphasize the exact moment something occurred. For example, "The clock struck midnight, and "precisely then", the spell was broken."

What are some alternatives to "precisely then"?

Alternatives include "exactly at that moment", "at that precise instant", or "right at that time". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "precisely then" formal or informal?

"Precisely then" is relatively formal and is best suited for writing that requires a higher level of precision or emphasis.

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

"Precisely then" highlights exact timing with emphasis, whereas "just then" ("just then") simply indicates that something happened at that moment without necessarily emphasizing its precision.