I exactly like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I exactly like" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to express a strong preference or liking for something, but the adverb "exactly" is not used correctly in this context. Example: "I exactly like the way you decorated your room." (This should be rephrased for clarity.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Government Shutdown Is Exactly Like Mean Girls.

Huffington Post

"I skated it exactly like I wanted," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I pictured it exactly like a fireworks show, so you can imagine my disappointment years later.

The New York Times

I felt exactly like I was watching many little Buddhas - some with running noses.

Huffington Post

I never ate Life cereal though, because everyone told me I looked exactly like Mikey, and I did.

Huffington Post

I felt exactly like that when I was an amateur cyclist.

Independent

She listened patiently to my jumbled explanation, and I remember thinking that I sounded exactly like the mother on "Gilmore Girls".

The New Yorker

Because I look exactly like Clinton when I receive "updates".

TechCrunch

When I got the column, I felt exactly like the protagonist in the Bruce Springsteen song, "Thunder Road".

Huffington Post

"I'm not a mind reader, but I felt exactly like the crowd," he said.

Los Angeles Times

Following Thomaes, Bushman, Stegge, and Olthof [ 77], a 4-point scale response format will be used, which ranges from 'I am not like these kids at all' (0) to 'I am exactly like these kids' (3).

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use more common and grammatically sound alternatives such as "I really like", "I particularly like", or "I especially like" to express your preference clearly.

Common error

Avoid placing adverbs like "exactly" directly before verbs like "like". "Exactly" typically modifies adjectives or other adverbs, not verbs of preference. Instead, opt for adverbs such as "really" or "particularly" to correctly express your liking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I exactly like" functions as an attempt to express a strong preference or affinity. However, according to Ludwig AI, the construction is grammatically incorrect and doesn't follow standard English usage, since the adverb "exactly" does not properly modify the verb "like".

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 "I exactly like" is grammatically incorrect and not recommended for use in standard English. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is not typically used and doesn't follow standard grammatical rules. To express a strong liking or preference, it's better to use alternatives like "I really like", "I particularly like", or "I especially like". These alternatives are more grammatically sound and clearly convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I really like

Emphasizes liking something, replacing "exactly" with "really" for standard usage.

I particularly like

Highlights a specific preference, using "particularly" for emphasis.

I especially like

Indicates a strong preference, substituting "especially" for "exactly".

I truly like

Conveys genuine liking, using "truly" for sincerity.

I greatly enjoy

Expresses enjoyment, replacing "like" with "enjoy" and "exactly" with "greatly".

I deeply appreciate

Shows profound appreciation, a more formal alternative.

I am very fond of

Expresses affection, using a different structure and vocabulary.

I am a big fan of

Indicates strong enthusiasm, a more casual alternative.

I have a strong liking for

Highlights a notable preference, rephrasing the original structure.

I am quite keen on

Expresses interest or enthusiasm, using a British English idiom.

FAQs

What is the correct way to express a strong liking for something?

Instead of "I exactly like", use phrases like "I really like", "I particularly like", or "I especially like" to convey your preference more clearly.

Can I use "exactly" to modify the verb "like"?

While "exactly" can modify adjectives or adverbs, it doesn't fit well with verbs of preference like "like". Choose adverbs such as "really", "especially", or "particularly" for better grammatical accuracy.

What are some formal alternatives to "I exactly like"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "I greatly enjoy" or "I deeply appreciate", which express your preference with greater sophistication.

What does it mean if someone says "I exactly like"?

Although not grammatically standard, the speaker likely intends to express a strong preference or liking, similar to saying "I really like" or "I especially like". It's a non-standard way of emphasizing their preference.