precisely when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precisely when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a specific moment in time or to emphasize the exact timing of an event. Example: "I remember precisely when I first learned to ride a bike; it was a sunny afternoon in June."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The only question is precisely when.

The New York Times

It's even hard to find out precisely when it happened.

The Guardian

It is not clear precisely when disaster struck.

The New York Times

He did not specify precisely when the operation had begun.

The New York Times

No one knows precisely when the first human flight occurred.

The New Yorker

It was unclear precisely when the message was recorded.

The New York Times

I know precisely when that era came to an end.

Independent

But that's precisely when you should enter Sushi Yasuda.

The New York Times

Much will depend on precisely when he leaves.

The Guardian - Business

Precisely when Snare arrived in New York is a mystery.

The Guardian - Books

It goes online today – but Sony can't say precisely when.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precisely when" to emphasize the importance of accurate timing or to indicate a specific point in time that is critical to the context. For example, "The treatment is most effective precisely when administered within the first hour."

Common error

While "precisely when" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pedantic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "exactly when" or "just when" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precisely when" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the exact timing of an event. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precisely when" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to specify or inquire about the exact timing of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. While suitable for various contexts, it's most commonly found in news, science, and encyclopedia articles. When writing, use it to emphasize accuracy in timing, but be mindful of its slightly formal tone, opting for simpler alternatives in casual settings. Remember to use the phrase to ensure the importance of accurate timing or to indicate a specific point in time that is critical to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exactly when

Replaces "precisely" with "exactly", offering a slightly less formal tone while maintaining the same meaning.

specifically when

Substitutes "precisely" with "specifically", emphasizing the detailed or particular timing of the event.

the precise moment when

Adds emphasis by using the noun form "moment" to describe the timing.

at the exact moment that

Expands the phrase to specify a particular point in time, adding emphasis.

the exact time that

Similar to "exactly when", but uses the noun form "time" for a slight variation in structure.

at what specific time

Rephrases the query to highlight the question of a particular time, often used in interrogative contexts.

the instant that

Emphasizes the immediate succession of events, highlighting a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

just when

Implies immediacy or suddenness in the timing of an event.

at which point

Indicates a specific stage or moment in a sequence of events.

on what occasion

More formal and less direct, referring to a specific event or instance.

FAQs

How do I use "precisely when" in a sentence?

Use "precisely when" to specify an exact moment or point in time. For example, "The alarm goes off "precisely when" the sun rises."

What are some alternatives to using "precisely when"?

You can use alternatives such as "exactly when", "specifically when", or "at what time", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "precisely when" or "exactly when"?

"Precisely when" and "exactly when" are often interchangeable, but "precisely when" carries a slightly more formal tone. Choose the one that best fits the overall style and context of your writing.

Can "precisely when" be used in questions?

Yes, "precisely when" can be used in questions, typically to inquire about a specific time. For example, "Do you know "precisely when" the meeting starts?"