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Preposition after adjective

precise in vs precise about

Precise in refers to accuracy in a skill or activity. Precise about refers to exactness concerning details or topics.

Quick answer

What is the difference?

Use precise in for behaviour, work, or methods. Use precise about when discussing details, facts, or requirements.

She is precise in her measurements.
The manager was precise about deadlines.
He is precise in his writing.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
precise in + activity

Accurate in work or behaviour

In introduces the area where precision appears.

The engineer is precise in calculations.
2
precise about + detail

Exact about information

About introduces the topic or detail.

Please be precise about the dates.
3
precise with + instrument

Careful use of tools

With can describe careful handling.

The surgeon was precise with the equipment.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
precise in
She is precise in her research.
accurate in a type of work
precise about
He was precise about the budget.
exact concerning details
precise with
The artist is precise with colour.
careful in handling something

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using about for an activity

Use in for areas of work or behaviour.

✕ She is precise about her calculations. ✓ She is precise in her calculations.

Using in for details

Use about for information or topics.

✕ Be precise in the figures. ✓ Be precise about the figures.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The scientist is precise ___ data analysis.
2. Please be precise ___ the schedule.
3. The technician is precise ___ measurements.

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Frequently asked questions

Can precise be used with both in and about?

Yes, but the meanings differ slightly.

What follows precise about?

Usually facts, instructions, numbers, or requirements.

Is precise in common with work activities?

Yes. It often describes careful professional work.

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