precisely to ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precisely to ask" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the exact purpose of your inquiry or request. Example: "I approached her precisely to ask about the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

John Lackey, a shareholder from Richmond, Va., who attended the meeting precisely to ask about the dividend, was not reassured.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

On what grounds, precisely, one had to ask? Nothing they did in their matches against Paraguay or Trinidad and Tobago or Ecuador had indicated the presence of a team worthy to rank with the heroes of 1966.

The Guardian - Sport

He wrote that the story "develops its heroes precisely in order to ask us if we would not in fact be better off without heroes".

Wikipedia

Perhaps precisely because it seems to ask so little of actors and audiences, "Merry Wives" continues to be performed frequently.

The New York Times

After a couple of wrong turns, we found the Novatel, parked at its gates and went in to ask precisely where the charger was.

The Guardian - Tech

"We had no idea that flooding was such a big problem, which is precisely why you have to ask," Aravena says.

The Guardian

An interloper, a lecturer from Lancaster University who had somehow infiltrated the meetings, intervened to ask precisely what expansion was for: should students be warned that a degree might not enhance their career prospects if there were so many?

The Guardian

He was in a BBC studio a few days later – after the band spilt, he had carved out a successful career in the 1990s as a radio and TV presenter – when a Church of England medical officer called him to ask precisely which drugs he had taken.

Independent

The prospect of a $6,000 bill for orthopedic surgery can force even the most ardent animal lover to ask, "Precisely how much do I love my dog?" Patti and Dave Halberslaben of Madison, Wis., recently spent $10,000 to treat their 12-year-old Maltese-poodle mix, Chip, for an inoperable brain tumor.

The New York Times

Now is precisely the right time to ask a variant of the question famously posed by presidential hopeful Ronald Reagan back in 1979: "Are you better off today than you were when the Coalition was formed?" The definitive answer to that question is "no".

Independent

In addressing (ii) we will most likely need to refer to the various mental abilities we put to use in such interpretative exercises (e.g. imagination, empathy); and also to ask precisely what the target of our interpretation is.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precisely to ask" when you want to emphasize that your reason for asking is very specific and deliberate, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "precisely to ask" in casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler phrasing in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precisely to ask" functions as an infinitive of purpose, specifically highlighting the reason for an action. It emphasizes the exact and deliberate intention behind the act of asking. Ludwig AI considers it correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "precisely to ask" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to emphasize the exact and deliberate purpose of asking a question. While its frequency is rare, it is primarily found in news and media contexts, with occasional use in wikis and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure it fits the formality of the situation, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like "specifically to inquire" or "exactly to question" can provide similar emphasis. Remember that the phrase adds a level of formality and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specifically to inquire

Replaces "precisely" with "specifically", focusing on the detailed nature of the inquiry.

exactly to question

Substitutes "precisely" with "exactly", emphasizing the directness of the question.

expressly to request

Uses "expressly" to indicate a clear and definite request.

solely for the purpose of asking

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the single purpose of asking.

with the express intention of asking

Rephrases to highlight the deliberate intention behind the question.

just to interrogate

Uses "interrogate" to suggest a more formal or intense questioning.

purely to investigate

Emphasizes the investigative aspect of the inquiry.

particularly to query

Employs "particularly" to specify the focus of the query.

definitely to seek

Highlights the assertive seeking of information through asking.

explicitly to learn

Focuses on the intention to gain knowledge through direct questioning.

FAQs

How can I use "precisely to ask" in a sentence?

You can use "precisely to ask" to emphasize the specific reason for asking a question. For example, "I contacted the manager "precisely to ask" about the possibility of a refund."

What phrases are similar to "precisely to ask"?

Similar phrases include "specifically to inquire", "exactly to question", or "expressly to request", each emphasizing a clear and deliberate intention behind the asking.

Is "precisely to ask" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "precisely to ask" is suitable for formal writing when you need to highlight the exact purpose of your question. However, ensure the context warrants such emphasis.

Can I use "precisely to ask" in spoken English?

While grammatically correct, "precisely to ask" might sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "just to ask" or "simply to ask" in informal settings.