I was exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was exactly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a specific point or to clarify a situation in which something was precisely as stated. Example: "I was exactly where I said I would be, waiting for you at the café."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

I was exactly the opposite".

The New York Times

I was exactly the same way.

The New Yorker

I was exactly the same," Scholes said on BT Sport.

Independent

"In a former life, I was exactly the same".

The New Yorker

"And when I saw him cry I was exactly right".

The New Yorker

"I don't know if I was exactly coasting," Phelps said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I'm exactly the same.

The New York Times - Sports

"I am exactly who I've always been.

The New Yorker

I'm exactly how I need to be.

The New Yorker

Garel responded, "No, I am exactly like them.

The Guardian

Neither – I'm exactly halfway between the two.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was exactly", ensure the context supports the claim of precision. Avoid using it loosely; make sure the situation genuinely reflects exactness.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly" excessively, as it can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "precisely", "completely", or "perfectly" for a more nuanced and engaging writing style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was exactly" functions as an emphatic assertion, specifying a state or condition with precision. Ludwig's examples show it clarifying identity, location, or agreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was exactly" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize precision or accuracy in a statement. As confirmed by Ludwig's analysis, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, remember to use it judiciously to maintain its impact and consider alternatives like "I was precisely" or "I was completely" to prevent overuse. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase the phrase's application in expressing exactness of location, time, or state, making it a valuable tool for clear and emphatic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was precisely

Replaces 'exactly' with a synonym, emphasizing accuracy and precision.

I was perfectly

Indicates being ideally or flawlessly in a certain state.

That's exactly what I was

Rephrases to emphasize agreement or confirmation.

I was just

Uses 'just' to indicate being in the correct state or position.

I was accurately

Highlights the correctness of the state or condition.

I was completely

Emphasizes the totality of the state or condition.

I was absolutely

Highlights the certainty and lack of exception.

I matched

Focuses on correspondence or agreement.

I was right

Indicates being correct or in agreement with a fact or situation.

I found myself

Emphasizes discovery of being in a precise state or location.

FAQs

How can I use "I was exactly" in a sentence?

Use "I was exactly" to emphasize that something was precise or accurate. For example, "I was exactly where I needed to be" or "I was exactly on time".

What are some alternatives to "I was exactly"?

Alternatives include "I was precisely", "I was just", or "I was completely", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I was exactly"?

Yes, "I was exactly" is grammatically correct and widely used to emphasize the precision or accuracy of a statement. Ludwig's examples confirm its proper usage.

What does "I was exactly" imply?

It implies that the speaker was in a precise state or condition, emphasizing the accuracy and lack of deviation from that state. For instance, saying "I was exactly the same" means there were no differences.