an exact match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exact match" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that corresponds perfectly or is identical to another item or criteria. Example: "The search results returned an exact match for the query I entered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And when we heard that she had got an exact match – not just close enough to be persuasive, but an exact match – it was an extraordinary moment.

The Guardian

A leading rival, Orbitz, promises that the price will be an exact match.

The New York Times

It does not require an exact match for credit reports to merge".

The New York Times

This happens most often when the donor is not an exact match for the recipient.

The New York Times - Health

After more checking, Mr. Steel did find a similar purchase in October, but it was not an exact match either.

The New York Times

Upon closer inspection, she confirmed that the doorknob was an exact match for the ceramic knobs in her home.

The New York Times

She said "that the strain of cholera in Haiti is an exact match for the strain of cholera in Nepal".

The Guardian

Overlapping symbols indicate an exact match in geocoded location.

Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards

"It was an exact match, no doubt about it".

Science Magazine

In exact-match discovery, the requester requires an exact match to the requirements.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

HIV evolves rapidly enough that an exact match may or may not obtain.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, always double-check that what you’re describing as "an exact match" meets the stringent criteria implied by the term.

Common error

Avoid using "an exact match" when describing something that is only approximately similar. Reserve the phrase for situations where the correspondence is truly identical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exact match" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it often follows a linking verb (e.g., "is", "was") to describe a state of perfect equivalence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exact match" is a noun phrase denoting perfect equivalence or correspondence, as validated by Ludwig's AI. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, its neutral to formal register emphasizes precision. When employing this phrase, ensure the similarity is truly identical to avoid misrepresentation. Consider alternatives like "perfect correspondence" or "precise equivalent" for nuanced expression. With its frequent usage and clear meaning, mastering "an exact match" enhances clarity in both technical and general writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a perfect correspondence

Emphasizes the similarity or agreement between two things.

a precise equivalent

Highlights the accuracy and equivalence between two items.

an identical counterpart

Focuses on the sameness and mirroring aspect of the match.

a carbon copy

Indicates a perfect duplicate, often used figuratively.

a dead ringer

Informal term emphasizing an extremely close resemblance.

a mirror image

Suggests a reflection or exact likeness.

a spitting image

Colloquial expression for a very strong resemblance, especially in appearance.

a true likeness

Emphasizes the authenticity and accuracy of the resemblance.

a close parallel

Highlights the similarities and alignment between two things.

a direct correlation

Indicates a strong and immediate relationship or correspondence.

FAQs

How can I use "an exact match" in a sentence?

You can use "an exact match" to indicate perfect correspondence. For example, "The DNA sample was "an exact match" to the suspect's profile."

What are some alternatives to "an exact match"?

Alternatives include "a perfect correspondence", "a precise equivalent", or "an identical counterpart", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "exact match" or "perfect match"?

"Exact match" emphasizes precision and identity, while "perfect match" implies suitability and harmony. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight accuracy or compatibility.

What does it mean when something is described as "an exact match" in genetics?

In genetics, "an exact match" typically refers to identical genetic sequences or profiles, indicating a very close relationship or shared origin.