when precisely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when precisely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inquire about the exact timing of an event or action. Example: "Can you tell me when precisely the meeting is scheduled to start?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

When precisely did it occur?

Cornell University

But when, precisely, did it happen?

Britannica

And when, precisely, does he first announce his presence?

The New Yorker

It is not clear when, precisely, the site was abandoned.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But when, precisely, should the article be triggered?

The New Yorker

When precisely did the taste for rebellion expire?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

But I cannot remember how or when or precisely where.

The Guardian - Books

It is true when necessarily precisely one of its disjuncts is true.

SEP

Ontologically the objection is this: when measured precisely enough each organism lives in a unique environment.

SEP

Ms. Dibbens knows precisely when units will return and when the homecoming balls take place.

The New York Times

Choosing it not just when things are easy but precisely when they're hard owning it.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "when precisely" adds a layer of exactness and clarity, making your inquiries or statements more specific.

Common error

Avoid using "when precisely" in casual conversations where a more relaxed tone is appropriate. Opt for simpler alternatives like "when exactly" to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when precisely" functions as an interrogative adverbial phrase. It is used to inquire about the specific timing of an event or action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when precisely" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for inquiring about a specific time, as validated by Ludwig. While it is suitable for various contexts, it is particularly common in news, academic, and scientific settings due to its emphasis on accuracy and detail. The phrase functions as an interrogative adverbial, seeking clarification on timing. For less formal situations, alternatives such as "when exactly" may be more appropriate. Overall, Ludwig confirms that understanding the nuances of "when precisely" helps writers use it effectively across different writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at what exact time

Emphasizes the exactness of the time being asked about; more direct.

when exactly

A more concise and common way to ask for a specific time.

what specific time

Emphasizes the need for a detailed or particular time.

what precise moment

Emphasizes the accuracy and specificity of the time being requested.

on what date

Focuses specifically on the date of an event.

at what moment

Highlights a particular instant or point in time.

by what deadline

Focuses on the specific cutoff time or date.

upon which date

A more formal way of asking about a specific date.

at which juncture

Indicates a specific point in time, often in a more formal or literary context.

at which instance

Highlights a particular event or occurrence at a specific moment.

FAQs

How can I use "when precisely" in a sentence?

Use "when precisely" to ask for a specific time or date. For example: "When precisely did the event begin?"

What are some alternatives to "when precisely"?

Alternatives include "when exactly", "at what exact time", or "what specific time", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "when precisely" and "when exactly"?

The difference is subtle; "when precisely" is often perceived as slightly more formal than "when exactly", but they are largely interchangeable.

In what context is it best to use "when precisely"?

"When precisely" is best used in formal or professional contexts where clarity and accuracy are important, such as scheduling meetings, clarifying deadlines, or requesting specific details about an event.