surprisingly precise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surprisingly precise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is unexpectedly accurate or detailed, often in a context where precision is not anticipated. Example: "The results of the experiment were surprisingly precise, defying our initial expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

This indicates a surprisingly precise representation of observed touch events in S1, and assumes a precision down to the level of the single finger.

Brain Structure and Function

The Ansar barrage, apparently from heavy mortars, was surprisingly precise.

The New York Times

For a fantasia of this scale, the kitchen's work is surprisingly precise.

The New York Times - Food

His speech may be sparse, but his body is expressively talkative, conveying violence, pathos and even tragedy in surprisingly precise fashion.

The Guardian - Film

Have you come across a particularly off-the-wall interpretation of one of your poems, or one that was surprisingly precise?

The New Yorker

Thanks to a ground-up rebuild around Wii Motion Plus, the control system is elegant, intuitive and surprisingly precise, although you will need to close your curtains to avoid embarrassment as you prance about, swinging your Master Wiimote.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Surprisingly, the precise precytokinesis arrest observed after blocking VSG synthesis coincided with an extreme and global block in protein synthesis down to less than 1 4% normal levels.

Plosone

6 11 Again, and somewhat surprisingly, a precise widely agreed definition is lacking.

BMJ Open

Surprisingly, this precise excision stock also displayed high sensitivity to camptothecin, although not to the level of brca2 flies.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

This means they recognize dot numerosity and numerals as representing equivalent scalar values, for surprisingly large and precise amounts.

Animal Cognition

These seemingly contradictory results suggest that the phenotype of β-catenin deletion in the pancreas is surprisingly dependent on the precise spatiotemporal domain of Cre activity.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surprisingly precise" when you want to express that something is more accurate or detailed than you would expect. It adds an element of unexpectedness to your description. For instance, "The model's predictions were surprisingly precise, even with limited data."

Common error

Avoid using "surprisingly precise" when the context already implies a high level of accuracy is expected. Overuse can dilute the impact and make the phrase seem redundant. Instead, use it where the precision truly stands out against expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surprisingly precise" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun to describe something that is unexpectedly accurate or detailed. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing measurements, representations, and even physical actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

46%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "surprisingly precise" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something unexpectedly accurate or detailed. Analysis of examples from Ludwig reveals it is frequently used in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While various alternatives exist, such as "unexpectedly accurate" or "remarkably exact", the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English to describe something that is unexpectedly accurate or detailed, often in a context where precision is not anticipated. To maximize impact, avoid overuse in contexts where precision is already expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprisingly accurate

A direct synonym, differing only in word order.

unexpectedly accurate

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the accuracy.

unexpectedly detailed

Emphasizes the unanticipated level of detail.

astonishingly accurate

Like 'remarkably exact', but conveys the accuracy in the context of wonder.

remarkably exact

Highlights the high degree of accuracy.

surprisingly well-defined

Adds emphasis on how well something is defined.

astonishingly meticulous

Focuses on the detail and thoroughness, adding a sense of wonder.

remarkably defined

Highlights the clarity and sharpness of the definition.

unusually meticulous

Focuses on meticulous nature, describing it as unusual.

uncommonly specific

Stresses the unusual level of specificity.

FAQs

How can I use "surprisingly precise" in a sentence?

Use "surprisingly precise" to describe something that is unexpectedly accurate or detailed. For example, "The astronomer made a "surprisingly precise" measurement of the distant galaxy's redshift".

What are some alternatives to "surprisingly precise"?

Alternatives include "unexpectedly accurate", "remarkably exact", or "astonishingly meticulous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "surprisingly precise" or "very precise"?

"Surprisingly precise" implies an element of unexpectedness, whereas "very precise" simply emphasizes the degree of accuracy. Choose the phrase that best reflects the context and your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "surprisingly precise" and "remarkably accurate"?

While both phrases indicate a high degree of accuracy, "surprisingly precise" highlights that the accuracy was unexpected. "Remarkably accurate" simply emphasizes the accuracy itself. Consider the context to determine which phrase is more appropriate.