to be precise about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be precise about" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide a more detailed or specific explanation of something. For example: "I'm not sure of the exact measurements, but to be precise about it, the table is about 5 feet long and 3 feet wide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But it's difficult to be precise about what's different..

The Guardian - Sport

It is essential to be precise about the details.

The New York Times

And it's not one that is easy to be precise about.

Yale University

That permitted me to be precise about the profession of the character.

The Guardian - Film

It's important to be precise about the choice we are facing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now is the time to be precise about the meanings of words.

The New Yorker

Poetry has that capacity, too: to be precise about uncertainty rather than just being uncertain.

The Guardian

That is all the more reason to be precise about them.

The Economist

But it is hard to be precise about who pays for what.

The Economist

When you're creating something that hasn't existed before, it's very, very hard to be precise about those things".

The Guardian - Tech

"First of all, you have to be precise about these terms — what do you mean by 'political prisoner'?" he asked.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be precise about", ensure the additional detail you provide is genuinely more precise and adds value to the original statement. Avoid using it for trivial or irrelevant clarifications.

Common error

Avoid using "to be precise about" excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your text sound pedantic or as if you're constantly correcting yourself, which can detract from the overall flow and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be precise about" functions as a discourse marker, introducing a clarification or a more accurate statement. It sets the stage for refining the preceding information, enhancing clarity and preventing potential misunderstandings, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be precise about" is a versatile phrase used to introduce clarifying details and enhance accuracy. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts such as news, academia, and science. While highly useful, it's important to avoid overuse and ensure that the added precision genuinely contributes to understanding. Related phrases like "to be exact about" and "to be specific about" offer similar functions, allowing for nuanced expression. When writing, be mindful of the impact of this phrase and use it judiciously to improve clarity and convey precise information effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be exact about

Focuses on accuracy and correctness, often used when correcting a previous statement or providing more accurate data.

to be specific about

Emphasizes detail and particularity, moving from general statements to concrete examples.

to be accurate regarding

Highlights the need for correctness concerning a particular subject or piece of information.

to clarify the details of

Implies removing ambiguity and providing a clearer explanation of the particulars involved.

to pinpoint

Suggests identifying something exactly or precisely, often related to locations or times.

in precise terms

Highlights the use of exact and unambiguous language to avoid misunderstanding.

for the sake of accuracy

Introduces a statement made with the intention of providing an exact and correct account.

to define explicitly

Focuses on providing a clear and unambiguous definition, leaving no room for interpretation.

to delineate clearly

Suggests marking out boundaries or differences with exactness and clarity.

in concrete terms

Highlights providing a practical and tangible explanation, avoiding abstract concepts.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be precise about" to introduce a more accurate or detailed piece of information, for example: "The meeting will start at 10 AM, but "to be precise about", it's 10:07 AM because we're waiting for a late attendee".

What phrases are similar to "to be precise about"?

Alternatives to "to be precise about" include "to be exact about", "to be specific about", or "in precise terms". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to "to be precise about" in writing?

No, it's not always necessary. Use "to be precise about" only when adding a detail that significantly improves the clarity or accuracy of your statement. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or fussy.

How does "to be precise about" differ from "to be exact about"?

While both phrases introduce more accurate information, "to be precise about" often implies a refinement or a finer degree of detail. "To be exact about" may suggest correcting a previous inaccuracy or providing the absolute correct figure.