Exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Exactly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express agreement or to emphasize that something is precisely right or accurate. Example: "When she explained her reasoning, I thought to myself, 'Exactly, that's what I was trying to say.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exactly right.

The New York Times - Sports

Well, not exactly.

The New York Times - Books

Indeed, you're already seeing a lot of them do exactly that.

The Economist

Next, he pointed out that full nationalization of a financial institution might trigger systemic shocks, as investors retreated from other banks, creating exactly the kind of panic that nationalization was intended to prevent.

The Economist

Nor have I come across a clear explanation of exactly how the program could be put to such a purpose.

The Economist

Of course, this is exactly the way the tax code works now: tax rates rise at certain income thresholds, meaning that when you get to a certain income level, the government takes more of every dollar you earn.

The Economist

And that's exactly what happened.

The Guardian

We had some amazing women who looked like them, and came from a background similar to them, so I'm uncovering role models who are exactly like them.

The Guardian

Pompeii didn't exactly get his film career off to a strong start, and he was hardly the best thing in first world war drama Testament of Youth.

The Guardian - Film

It has been thirteen months exactly since the suicide of Aaron Swartz, at the age of 26.

The Guardian - Tech

"Mare Nostrum is working exactly as we worked in the last year and we are not passing on our activity to someone else.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Exactly" to express precise agreement or confirmation, adding emphasis to your response. It's particularly effective in clarifying a point or reinforcing a shared understanding.

Common error

While "Exactly" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. In such contexts, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "precisely" or "indeed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Exactly" is to serve as an adverb modifying a verb or adjective to emphasize precision or accuracy. It can also function as an interjection to express agreement or confirmation, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Exactly" functions primarily as an adverb or interjection to emphasize precision, agreement, or confirmation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone and formality of your writing, opting for synonyms like "precisely" in more formal settings. Remember to use "Exactly" when you want to add emphasis or clearly signal agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Precisely

Shares a similar meaning, indicating accuracy and correctness but is often used in more formal contexts.

That's correct

Emphasizes the accuracy of a statement or answer, often used in formal or educational settings.

Absolutely

Indicates strong agreement or affirmation, emphasizing certainty and complete concurrence.

Indeed

Confirms a statement or expresses agreement, often adding a sense of emphasis or acknowledgment.

That's right

A common expression of agreement, suitable for informal conversations and confirming statements.

You're right

Directly acknowledges the correctness of someone else's statement or viewpoint.

Just so

Implies confirmation or agreement, sometimes with a hint of finality or certainty.

To the letter

Indicates adherence to exact details or instructions, emphasizing meticulous compliance.

In every detail

Highlights the completeness and thoroughness of accuracy or agreement.

Verbatim

Denotes quoting something word-for-word, emphasizing exactness in reproduction.

FAQs

How do I use "Exactly" in a sentence?

"Exactly" can be used to express agreement, such as in response to a statement, or to emphasize precision. For example, "So, you're saying we need to be there by 8 AM? Exactly!"

What can I say instead of "Exactly"?

You can use alternatives like "precisely", "absolutely", or "indeed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Exactly!" or "That's exactly!"?

Both "Exactly!" and "That's exactly!" are correct, but they convey slightly different nuances. "Exactly!" is a direct and emphatic agreement, while "That's exactly!" provides a bit more context by acknowledging the preceding statement.

What's the difference between "Exactly" and "Precisely"?

While both words denote accuracy, "precisely" often implies a higher degree of formality and meticulousness compared to "Exactly".