what precise number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what precise number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking for a specific numerical value or detail in a conversation or inquiry. Example: "Can you tell me what precise number you have in mind for the budget?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

There has been confusion over what precise numbers are required to suspend Israel, with Fifa officials previously insisting that a 75% majority was required.

The Guardian

Volgenau says it's hard to know what the precise number is, but thinks Input's figure could be "underestimated by a factor of at least two".

Forbes

Drew Kodjak, a vehicle expert who served on a National Academy of Sciences panel that studied how large a fuel economy improvement was reasonable, said that no matter what the precise numbers specified in the new rule, simply publishing it was important to lay the groundwork for future improvements.

The New York Times - Science

"The principle is important; it's not really for me to determine what the precise numbers should be".

BBC

To mediate a particular perception, feeling, decision, memory, or action, what is the precise number of neurons that must be active within a certain region, and when and how long must they be active?

Plosone

may be asked what precise response he would make to a precise provocation.

The New Yorker

What precise revenue streams will generate income for your business?

Forbes

What precise mechanism underlies the observed asymmetry is unclear.

eLife

Typically these include: What precise behaviour should be targeted?

BMC Public Health

What precise computations are conducted in the language-selective subregion?

Current Biology

She declined to put a precise number on what Nduna, her family foundation, gives yearly, other than to say it is several million dollars.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting data, use "what precise number" to emphasize the need for accuracy, avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of asking "How many users do we have?" ask "What precise number of users do we have?" to encourage a more detailed and exact response.

Common error

Don't use "what precise number" when an approximation is sufficient. This phrase indicates a need for exactness, so avoid using it if a rough estimate is acceptable. If an estimate is acceptable, consider alternatives like "approximately how many" or "roughly how much".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what precise number" functions as an interrogative phrase used to elicit a specific numerical value. It is employed when accuracy and detail are crucial in the information being sought.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what precise number" is used to ask for a specific and accurate numerical value. Although Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct, it is not very common. Alternatives like "what exact figure" or "what specific amount" may be used depending on the context. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that you truly need an exact number rather than an approximation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what exact figure

Replaces "precise number" with "exact figure" maintaining the same emphasis on accuracy.

what exact quantity

Uses "exact quantity" instead of "precise number", stressing the accurate amount.

what specific amount

Substitutes "precise number" with "specific amount" focusing on a particular quantity.

what precise value

Substitutes "number" with "value", focusing on the numerical worth.

what specific figure

Substitutes "precise number" with "specific figure" focusing on a clearly defined value.

what accurate count

Replaces "precise number" with "accurate count", highlighting the need for a correct tally.

what accurate total

Replaces "precise number" with "accurate total", underlining the need for a correct sum.

what definite quantity

Uses "definite quantity" instead of "precise number", stressing a clear and determined amount.

what definite amount

Replaces "precise number" with "definite amount", emphasizing the certain quantity.

what particular sum

Replaces "precise number" with "particular sum" emphasizing a specific total.

FAQs

What does "what precise number" mean?

The phrase "what precise number" is used to ask for a very specific and accurate numerical value. It emphasizes the need for exactness and detail in the response.

How to use "what precise number" in a sentence?

You can use "what precise number" in a sentence when you need a specific, accurate figure. For example, "What precise number of votes are needed to win the election?"

What can I say instead of "what precise number"?

You can use alternatives like "what exact figure", "what specific amount", or "what accurate count depending on the context".

Is it appropriate to use "what precise number" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "what precise number" might sound overly formal in very casual settings. In such cases, you might prefer a simpler question like "What's the exact number?" or "How many exactly?"