refer precisely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refer precisely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone should make a specific and accurate reference to something. Example: "In your report, please refer precisely to the data sources you used to support your conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

With the acronym PDL, here we refer precisely to the propositional dynamic logic with the following program constructs: sequence, non-deterministic choice, unbounded iteration, and test.

SEP

For it might be held that moral predicates do purport to refer to non-natural properties but fail to refer precisely because those properties would have to be so queer.

SEP

Typically, the error theorist agrees with the non-naturalist (implicitly, anyway) about the semantics of moral predicates but holds that moral predicates do not refer precisely because moral properties to which they purport to refer would have to be so queer (see Mackie 1977).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I would advise opponents of the psychoanalytical outlook against referring precisely to Hoffmann's story The Sandman in order to support the view that the fear for one's eyes is completely unrelated to the castration complex," he goes on to say.

The Guardian - Books

It also refers precisely to the sorts of harmonious proportions characteristic of objects that are beautiful in a classical sense.

SEP

Moreover, the broadest and most accredited definition of sustainability refers precisely to the integration of social, economic and environmental values.

City, Territory and Architecture

In the second case, the researcher asked the actors to explain their actions by asking questions which referred precisely to what had been said and done, and which did not involve generalization.

European Transport Research Review

Not in the least does this refer to precisely determined locations for single proteins or molecules.

Advances in Physics

That change of a single character in a pair of words — from beifen to beitong — refers more precisely to pain and sorrow and takes out the connotation of vengeance, they said.

The New York Times

Here it seemed to have multiple values: it was not clear if the word referred to precisely the same phenomenon in its various appearances, such as 'social activity'relevantvactivityvity'languageuactivityvity'.

Functional Linguistics

The epigenome is the sum of all epigenetic information [ 11] and refers more precisely to the complete description of chemical changes to DNA and histones [ 12], including histone tail modifications, chromatin remodelling proteins, and ncRNA.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refer precisely", ensure that the reference is not only accurate but also easily locatable by the reader. Provide specific details such as page numbers, sections, or timestamps to facilitate easy access to the referenced material.

Common error

Avoid using "refer precisely" when a general reference is sufficient. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or pedantic when a simpler, more general reference would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refer precisely" functions primarily as a directive, instructing the reader or listener to make a specific and accurate reference. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. This typically occurs in contexts where accuracy and verifiability are important.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refer precisely" is a directive emphasizing the need for a specific and accurate reference. As Ludwig AI validates, its usage is grammatically sound, though relatively rare. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources, its formal register underscores its role in ensuring clarity and precision in communication. For alternative expressions, you can consider "cite accurately" or "mention specifically". When employing this phrase, remember that providing clear and easily accessible references is paramount to achieving the intended level of accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refer explicitly

Highlights the explicitness of the reference.

cite accurately

Emphasizes accuracy in providing a reference.

state precisely

Emphasizes accuracy in making a statement.

mention specifically

Highlights the act of mentioning something in particular.

indicate exactly

Focuses on the exactness of the indication.

designate clearly

Stresses the clarity of the designation.

define rigorously

Focuses on defining something with rigor and accuracy.

specify definitely

Implies a definitive specification.

point out distinctly

Focuses on the distinctness of the pointing out.

allude unambiguously

Emphasizes the unambiguous nature of the allusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "refer precisely" when you want to indicate that someone should make a specific and accurate reference to something. For example, "In your report, please "refer precisely" to the data sources you used to support your conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "refer precisely"?

Some alternatives to "refer precisely" include "cite accurately", "mention specifically", or "indicate exactly" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "refer precisely" and "refer generally"?

"Refer precisely" means to make a specific and accurate reference, while "refer generally" means to make a broad or non-specific reference. Use "refer precisely" when accuracy and detail are important.

When is it appropriate to use "refer precisely" in academic writing?

In academic writing, "refer precisely" is appropriate when citing sources, data, or specific passages from texts. It ensures that readers can easily locate and verify the information being referenced.