precisely to know

USAGE SUMMARY

"precisely to know" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the exact or specific purpose of knowing something. Example: Our goal in conducting this research is precisely to know the effects of climate change on local ecosystems.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Or do we need precisely to know that the 'common' is no longer there for us, if it ever was".

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

To render suffering so precisely is to know how it feels.

The New Yorker

Or, more precisely, she got to know me.

The New York Times

Without knowing the context, it's impossible to know precisely what Mr. Romney meant.

The New York Times

Difficult to know precisely what.

The Guardian - Sport

"We had to know precisely what we were dealing with.

The New York Times - Science

"We want to know precisely what did happen".

The New York Times

We need to know precisely what those words mean.

The New York Times

But it's hard to know precisely what to make of this finding, Harrison said.

The New Yorker

There is no way to know precisely who or where that baby is.

The New York Times

But Mr. Chamberlain said it was impossible to know precisely what had driven up their income.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precisely to know" when you want to emphasize the specific reason for needing information, highlighting a clear and focused objective.

Common error

Avoid using "precisely to know" in contexts where a less emphatic phrase like "to understand" would suffice. Overuse can dilute the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precisely to know" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It emphasizes the reason or objective behind seeking information. Ludwig highlights examples where this phrase clarifies the intended outcome of an action or inquiry.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "precisely to know" serves a distinct purpose: to emphasize the exact reason for seeking information. Linguistic analysis shows it functions as an infinitive phrase highlighting intent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although examples suggest it's not an exceptionally common phrase. Use "precisely to know" when you wish to underline the specific objective behind your quest for knowledge. Its neutral to formal register suits professional, academic, and journalistic contexts, demanding precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to know exactly

Focuses on the accuracy and exactness of the knowledge sought.

to ascertain precisely

Highlights the effort to find out something with accuracy.

to determine accurately

Emphasizes the act of figuring something out in a correct manner.

to understand fully

Shifts the focus to complete comprehension.

to learn definitively

Highlights the conclusive nature of the learning.

to pinpoint with certainty

Emphasizes locating something specific with no doubt.

to grasp precisely

Focuses on the act of understanding something accurately and completely.

to discover specifically

Highlights the act of finding out something particular.

to identify exactly

Emphasizes the act of recognizing something without error.

to be certain of

Expresses complete assurance in one's knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "precisely to know" to emphasize the specific reason for seeking information. For instance, "We need to analyze the data precisely to know the root cause of the problem".

What are some alternatives to "precisely to know"?

Alternatives include "to know exactly", "to ascertain precisely", or "to determine accurately", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "precisely to know"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the specific purpose behind seeking knowledge or understanding. Use it to highlight a focused objective in your inquiry.

Is "precisely to know" formal or informal?

"Precisely to know" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. While not overly casual, it maintains a level of precision suitable for professional and academic writing.