to be precise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be precise" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to provide additional detail and clarification when referring to something. For example, "I was born in San Francisco, California, to be precise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bagdad, Florida, to be precise.

The Economist

43 marathons to be precise.

Independent

My history, to be precise.

The New York Times

An opossum, to be precise.

The New York Times

Three accordions, to be precise.

The New York Times

Ninety percent, to be precise.

The New York Times

"Hostel & Suites," to be precise.

The New York Times - Travel

She tried to be precise.

The New Yorker

You've got to be precise".

The New York Times - Sports

Fifteen, to be precise.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Knickers, to be precise.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be precise" to add clarifying details or correct slight inaccuracies in your writing, enhancing the overall accuracy and clarity of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "to be precise" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pedantic. Consider using simpler alternatives like "actually" or rephrasing the sentence for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be precise" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the sentence by providing additional clarification or specification. Ludwig shows that it commonly adds accuracy to a preceding statement, refining its meaning for better understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be precise" serves as an effective way to add clarity and accuracy to your writing and speech. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While it's a versatile phrase, remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your communication to avoid sounding overly formal. Alternatives like "specifically" or "exactly" can offer similar precision with varying degrees of formality. The phrase, according to the analyzed examples, is very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To be exact

Similar to "to be precise", but can sometimes carry a slightly stronger emphasis on numerical accuracy.

Exactly

Highlights accuracy and lack of deviation.

More precisely

Indicates a refinement or correction of a previous statement.

Specifically

Emphasizes a particular detail or aspect, narrowing down the focus.

Namely

Introduces a specific example or piece of information to clarify a previous statement.

In particular

Draws attention to a certain item or detail as noteworthy.

Accurately speaking

Highlights the correctness and truthfulness of the statement.

That is to say

Offers a restatement of something in clearer or simpler terms.

In detail

Suggests a more comprehensive and thorough explanation.

If I remember correctly

Highlights a degree of uncertainty in what is said, implying the speaker may not be entirely precise.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be precise" to add a clarifying detail or correction to a previous statement. For example, "I've lived in Europe for several years, in Germany "to be precise"."

What are some alternatives to "to be precise"?

Alternatives include "specifically", "exactly", or "more precisely", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to be precise in writing?

While precision is generally valued, it's not always necessary. The level of detail required depends on the context, audience, and purpose of your writing. Overly precise language can sometimes make your writing sound stilted or pedantic.

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

While similar, "to be precise" often refers to refining a statement with more detail, while "to be exact" often implies numerical accuracy or a stricter definition. Both can be used interchangeably in many contexts, but "to be exact" may be more appropriate when discussing quantities or measurements.