quick but precise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quick but precise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or process that is done rapidly while still maintaining accuracy or attention to detail. Example: "The surgeon performed the operation in a quick but precise manner, ensuring the best outcome for the patient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The 29-year-old, who raced for Williams in Formula One between 2007 and 2009, has driven for Toyota at the past two Le Mans 24 hours (coming fourth in 2013) but this year in the WEC he has not only been quick but precise, controlled and error-free.

The Guardian - Sport

They are proving this tonight: The quick but precise movements, the way they support one another with covering fire when shifting positions, the leaps from eight-foot walls that effortlessly segue into perfect tuck-and-rolls (as Coco did during game 4).

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's quite firm, in fact, rather than SUV lazy which was a big problem with earlier Range Rover iterations with excellent steering that's never quick but still precise.

Forbes

The new real-time PCR technique is a breakthrough in the diagnosis of H.Pylori because it allows not only a quick and precise detection of H.Pylori but also its quantification [ 23].

BMC Cancer

Turn-in is quick and precise, and body motions are predictable, but on the open road, no surprise, the ride is Bentley-plush.

BBC

Its steering response is quick and precise, more so than many sedans'.

The New York Times

The chassis was solid, the brakes were emphatic, the steering was quick and precise.

The New York Times

Finally, note that the body tracking isn't as quick or precise as the Wii's remote-tracking.

The New York Times - Tech

Fact is, Dunga's brand of counterattacking football relies on quick and precise passing – something achieved with what we call entrosamento (mutual understanding).

The Guardian - Sport

Naturally left-footed, quick, and precise in control of the ball, Messi was a keen pass distributor and could readily thread his way through packed defenses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The domestic scenes play out with considerable emotion, and the spying episodes are quick and precise: a walk in the park, an exchange of world-altering information, and the moment is over.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or action, use "quick but precise" to convey efficiency without sacrificing accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "quick but precise" when the context demands thoroughness above all else. In situations where accuracy is paramount, prioritize that aspect in your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick but precise" primarily functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It describes a quality or characteristic that balances speed and accuracy, as seen in the Ludwig examples illustrating movements or processes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quick but precise" is a compound adjective used to describe something that is both fast and accurate. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears in contexts like news, media, and science. While less common, it effectively conveys the importance of efficiency without sacrificing attention to detail. Be mindful of contexts where accuracy outweighs speed. Alternatives like "rapid yet accurate" or "swift and exact" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rapid yet accurate

Replaces "quick" with "rapid" and "precise" with "accurate", maintaining the core meaning.

swift and exact

Uses "swift" instead of "quick" and "exact" in place of "precise", offering a slightly more formal tone.

fast but meticulous

Substitutes "fast" for "quick" and "meticulous" for "precise", highlighting attention to detail.

speedy and careful

Replaces "quick" with "speedy" and "precise" with "careful", suggesting a balance of haste and caution.

prompt and accurate

Uses "prompt" instead of "quick" and "accurate" in place of "precise", implying timeliness and correctness.

efficient and accurate

Shifts focus to efficiency alongside accuracy, using "efficient" for "quick".

expeditious yet detailed

Emphasizes speed and thoroughness, substituting "expeditious" for "quick" and "detailed" for "precise".

rapid and well-defined

Highlights speed and clarity, replacing "precise" with "well-defined".

swift with attention to detail

Rephrases to emphasize the carefulness involved despite the speed.

fast but with precision

Reorders the phrase slightly to emphasize the presence of precision even with speed.

FAQs

How can I use "quick but precise" in a sentence?

You can use "quick but precise" to describe actions or processes that are both fast and accurate, such as "The surgeon's movements were "quick but precise", ensuring minimal trauma to the patient".

What are some alternatives to saying "quick but precise"?

Alternatives include phrases like "rapid yet accurate", "swift and exact", or "fast but meticulous", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "quick but precise"?

While "quick" and "precise" can sometimes seem contradictory, the phrase is not necessarily redundant. It emphasizes that speed is maintained without sacrificing accuracy, making it useful when both aspects are important.

When should I not use the phrase "quick but precise"?

Avoid using "quick but precise" when describing situations where speed is irrelevant or when accuracy is the sole priority. In such cases, focusing on the meticulous nature of the action may be more appropriate.