To be exact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To be exact" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to clarify or specify information more precisely. Example: "The meeting is scheduled for 3 PM, to be exact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To be exact, 4.4 miles.

The New York Times - Science

To be exact, most of it does.

The Guardian - Travel

To be exact, self-education.

Huffington Post

Five, to be exact.

The New York Times

Feral hogs, to be exact.

The New York Times

Actually, 0.015%, to be exact.

The Guardian

"Five times, to be exact".

The New Yorker

Blue jeans to be exact.

The New Yorker

Ten, to be exact.

The New York Times

(Seventy-five tons, to be exact).

The New Yorker

42 cords of wood, to be exact.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be exact", ensure that the additional detail is actually more precise and adds value to the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "to be exact" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. While grammatically correct, its formality can sound stilted or pedantic in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be exact" functions as a discourse marker, specifically an explanatory phrase, used to introduce a more precise or specific detail following a general statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase serves to enhance clarity and accuracy. Examples across various sources, reveal its role in refining information for the reader.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be exact" is a commonly used phrase that serves to introduce a more precise or specific detail, enhancing clarity in communication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts. While predominantly found in news and media, it's essential to consider the formality of the context to avoid sounding overly pedantic. Using it effectively involves adding significant clarification and avoiding overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like "specifically" or "more precisely" can offer similar precision with slight tonal variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

More precisely

Highlights the increased accuracy of the subsequent information.

Specifically speaking

Emphasizes that what follows is a precise detail, often in contrast to a general statement.

To specify

Introduces a clarification or a more defined description.

To put it precisely

Focuses on the manner of expression, indicating a careful choice of words for accuracy.

Namely

Signals that a specific example or detail is about to be presented.

If you want to be precise

Highlights the need for accuracy in the context.

In detail

Suggests a more thorough explanation is about to be given.

That is to say

Indicates an explanation or restatement is coming to ensure understanding.

In other words

Offers a restatement for clarity, though not always more precise.

For instance

Provides a concrete example to illustrate a point.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "to be exact" in a sentence?

Use "to be exact" to introduce a more precise figure, fact, or detail that clarifies a previous statement. For example, "The project will take approximately three months, "to be exact", 92 days".

What are some alternatives to "to be exact" that I can use?

Alternatives include "specifically", "more precisely", or "namely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to follow "to be exact" with a numerical value?

No, "to be exact" doesn't always need to be followed by a numerical value. It can also introduce a more specific description or detail. For instance, "The flower is a vibrant red, "to be exact", a scarlet hue".

When should I avoid using the phrase "to be exact"?

Avoid using "to be exact" when the clarification is trivial or doesn't add significant value to the reader's understanding. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or pedantic.