precisely where

USAGE SUMMARY

"precisely where" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most commonly used in formal settings to indicate to the reader that the following information is very specific and exact. For example: "He stopped his car precisely where the speed limit changed from 35 to 25 mph."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Precisely where is not known.

The New York Times

"More precisely, where from?" I asked.

Independent

Precisely where do they go from here?

Independent

Precisely where do you mean?

University of California, Berkeley

Maybe that's precisely where the eye goes.

The New York Times

Everyone knew precisely where it hit.

The New York Times

That's precisely where Hitler went wrong".

The Guardian

But this is precisely where Canaletto excels.

The Guardian - Arts

Both witness and government know precisely where they stand.

Cornell University

He can determine precisely where they are cleaving the RNA.

University of California, Berkeley

Once again, Pondexter knew precisely where he was going.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precisely where" when you want to emphasize the need for accuracy and specificity regarding a location, situation, or point in an argument. It adds a layer of precision that simpler alternatives might lack.

Common error

Avoid using "precisely where" in very informal conversations, as it can sound overly formal or pedantic. In casual settings, alternatives like "exactly where" or "right where" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precisely where" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify location with a high degree of accuracy. Ludwig shows examples in news and academic contexts, highlighting its use to pinpoint specific details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

21%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precisely where" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase to indicate an exact location or point with emphasis on accuracy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news, academic writing, and formal communication. When using this phrase, prioritize clarity and avoid overuse in very informal settings to maintain an appropriate tone. Alternative options include "exactly where" or "specifically where" depending on context. When accuracy is paramount, "precisely where" offers a robust and effective solution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exactly where

Indicates exact location but is slightly less formal.

specifically where

Highlights the need for a detailed location.

the exact location of

This is a more descriptive alternative specifying that a location is what is being described.

the precise spot of

Implies a very specific and accurate position.

right where

Highlights the location with emphasis on its accuracy.

the very place of

Emphasizes the importance of a particular location.

to be exact, where

Adds more emphasis to accuracy.

pinpointing where

Highlights the action of locating something with accuracy.

identifying where

Focuses on recognizing the location.

defining where

Implies a clear boundary of the location.

FAQs

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

Use "precisely where" to specify an exact location or point, such as "The treasure is buried precisely where the two rivers meet" or "That's "precisely where" I saw him last night".

What are some alternatives to "precisely where"?

You can use alternatives such as "exactly where", "specifically where", or "right where" depending on the level of formality you need. "The exact location" or "the precise spot of" can also replace "precisely where".

When is it best to use "precisely where" over "exactly where"?

"Precisely where" emphasizes accuracy and formality more than "exactly where". Use "precisely where" in formal writing or when a high degree of precision is crucial, while "exactly where" is suitable for more casual contexts.

Is "precisely where" grammatically correct?

Yes, "precisely where" is grammatically correct and frequently used in both written and spoken English to indicate a specific location or point. Ludwig confirms that it is correct and usable.