Meaning & use
precise directions
Last updated
Meanings
phraseplural
clear and exact instructions about how to get somewhere or how to do something.
Grammar: Used as a plural noun phrase; it usually follows verbs like give, get, or follow, and can take a possessive: my precise directions.
Patterns
- give someone precise directions
- follow precise directions
- get precise directions to a place
The hotel receptionist gave us precise directions to the conference center.
Please follow the precise directions on the label when you mix the medicine.
Without precise directions, we spent an hour driving around the old town.
phraseplural
very exact orders or guidance about what to do.
Grammar: Often used with verbs like issue, receive, or ignore; it can suggest strict, detailed control.
Patterns
- issue precise directions
- receive precise directions from someone
- ignore precise directions
The manager issued precise directions for handling customer complaints.
She received precise directions from her editor about the article's structure.
He ignored the precise directions and submitted the report late.
Common combinations
- give precise directions
- Can you give me precise directions to the train station?
- follow precise directions
- If you follow the precise directions, the cake will rise perfectly.
- precise directions to
- She asked for precise directions to the nearest pharmacy.
- clear and precise directions
- The manual provides clear and precise directions for assembly.
Synonyms and how they differ
- exact instructions
- Similar meaning, but 'instructions' often suggests a set of steps, while 'directions' can also mean route guidance.
- specific guidance
- More formal and often about advice or policy rather than physical routes.
Opposites
Commonly confused: precise directions or directions?
precise directions vs directions
'Directions' alone can mean general instructions or route guidance; 'precise' emphasizes that they are exact and detailed.
Practice
Before you drive to the wedding, make sure you have ______ directions so you don't get lost.
Choose one answer.
'Precise' is the adjective modifying 'directions'. 'Precisely' is an adverb, 'precision' is a noun, and 'preciseness' is a noun meaning the quality of being exact.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “precise directions”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.