technically accurate

USAGE SUMMARY

"technically accurate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that a statement is accurate based on the technical or scientific definition of the words being used. For example: "His statement was technically accurate, though it lacked any meaningful context."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This statement isn't technically accurate.

The New York Times - Books

It was factually and technically accurate.

Independent

Calling Davis a "diplomat" was, technically, accurate.

The New York Times - Magazine

What Romney said was technically accurate.

The New Yorker

The complaints, though technically accurate, were beside the point.

The New Yorker

That may be technically accurate, but it misses the point.

The Washington Post

They say things that are technically accurate but misleading.

The New York Times

It's not technically accurate, but conceptually I think it works quite well.

The Guardian - Tech

His assertions -- while for the most part technically accurate -- reflect his partisan point of view.

The New York Times

But even if it turns out to be technically accurate, it cannot be candidly accurate.

The New York Times

Even calling her New York's junior senator, while technically accurate, is mildly absurd.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid misleading your audience, always provide more context after stating that something is "technically accurate".

Common error

Don't use "technically accurate" as a shield to avoid addressing potential misinterpretations. While a statement might be correct in a narrow sense, ensure it doesn't create a false impression or hide crucial information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "technically accurate" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to specify the type of accuracy being described. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is often used to denote that a statement is correct in a narrow, technical sense, even if it might be misleading or incomplete in a broader context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "technically accurate" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a statement that is accurate within a specific technical context, though it may be misleading or incomplete when viewed more broadly. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in written English. Due to its potential for misinterpretation, it's essential to use this phrase judiciously and provide sufficient context to ensure clarity. While "technically accurate" appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business writing, it's important to remember that transparency and completeness are often more valued than narrow, technical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

factually accurate

Emphasizes that the information aligns with verifiable facts.

precisely correct

Highlights the precision and exactness of the accuracy, adding an element of exactitude.

strictly correct

Implies that the accuracy holds up under rigorous scrutiny and adheres closely to a standard or rule.

technically valid

Highlights the validity from a technical standpoint.

formally correct

Emphasizes adherence to formal rules or standards, slightly shifting the focus from technical aspects.

officially correct

Indicates accuracy based on official validation or endorsement, adding an element of authority.

accurately defined

Focuses on the accuracy of a definition or description, rather than a general statement.

correct in detail

Highlights that the accuracy extends to the specific details, ensuring thorough correctness.

by the book

Indicates accuracy through strict adherence to established procedures or guidelines.

true in principle

Emphasizes the fundamental truth or correctness of a concept, even if practical application may vary.

FAQs

How do I use "technically accurate" in a sentence?

You can use "technically accurate" to describe a statement that is correct based on a strict or technical definition, even if it might be misleading or incomplete in a broader context. For example: "The company's financial report was "technically accurate", but it didn't reveal the full extent of their debt."

What are some alternatives to saying "technically accurate"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "factually accurate", "formally correct", or "precisely correct". Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of accuracy.

What does it mean when something is "technically accurate" but misleading?

It means that the statement is correct according to a specific technical definition, but it could lead to a false or incomplete understanding if taken without further context. It's often used to highlight a potential discrepancy between literal truth and overall impression.

Is it better to be "technically accurate" or completely transparent?

Transparency is usually preferred because it aims to provide a full and honest picture. Being "technically accurate" without transparency can be perceived as deceptive, even if the individual facts presented are true.