to be more precise

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "to be more precise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to be more specific or exact in your choice of words. For example, "We had the best day ever - to be more precise, it was the most fun I've ever had!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of the watchman, to be more precise.

The New Yorker

To be more precise: her hatred.

The New Yorker

Or to be more precise, zebrafish.

Independent

But we want to be more precise.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I try to be more precise".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We hope to be more precise.

The New York Times

Or, to be more precise, plunging.

The Guardian - Travel

Or, to be more precise, Kelvin's war.

The Guardian

I have to be more precise for this offense to be more precise".

The New York Times - Sports

In fact, I would have to be more precise.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He asked her to be more precise about her essay.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be more precise" when you want to refine a statement you've just made, adding greater clarity or accuracy.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "to be more precise". This can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, use a variety of clarifying phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be more precise" functions as a discourse marker or transitional phrase. It signals that the speaker or writer is about to provide a more specific, detailed, or accurate version of a previous statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

25%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be more precise" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce a more detailed or accurate version of a previous statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It functions as a discourse marker, offering clarification across diverse contexts. While it enjoys extensive use in news media and academic writing, it's essential to avoid overuse for stylistic purposes. Consider alternatives like "more specifically" or "in greater detail" for variety. The phrase is well-regarded, boasting a high expert rating due to its grammatical correctness, source authority, and usage consistency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more specifically

This alternative sharpens the focus, emphasizing detailed accuracy.

more exactly

This emphasizes precision and correctness.

to put it more accurately

This suggests a correction for the sake of correctness.

to be exact

This alternative shortens the expression while maintaining the meaning.

in greater detail

This alternative highlights the addition of extra information.

precisely speaking

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes accuracy.

by way of clarification

This introduces the clarification more formally.

for the sake of accuracy

This emphasizes the intention behind the clarification.

in other words

This offers a rephrasing for improved understanding.

to clarify

This simplifies the explanation's purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "to be more precise" in a sentence?

Use "to be more precise" when you want to offer a more accurate or detailed version of something you've just stated. For example, "The meeting is next week; "to be more precise", it's on Tuesday".

What's the difference between "to be more precise" and "to be more accurate"?

"To be more precise" focuses on adding detail or specification, while "to be more accurate" emphasizes correcting an inaccuracy. They are often interchangeable, but accuracy implies fixing an error.

What are some alternatives to using "to be more precise"?

Alternatives include phrases like "more specifically", "in greater detail", or "to put it more accurately", each adding a slightly different nuance to the clarification.

When is it appropriate to use "to be more precise" in writing?

It is appropriate to use ""to be more precise"" when you need to refine a statement for better understanding, offer additional context, or correct a general impression. It's suitable for both formal and informal writing, depending on the context.