and exactly when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "and exactly when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inquire about the specific timing of an event or action. Example: "I need to know the details of the meeting, including the agenda and exactly when it will take place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

And I would always have told her where I was going and exactly when I'd be coming home.

The New Yorker

Spain's judiciary is not known for its alacrity and exactly when the court will rule on such complaints is unclear.

The New York Times

You'll see exactly where that plane is (on a map), and exactly when it will be landing.

The New York Times

Experts quarrel about how important he truly was, and exactly when he started to fall from grace.

The Economist

How (and exactly when) the end will come is, however, up for debate — will it end, as T. S. Eliot believed, "not with a bang, but a whimper"?

The New Yorker

And exactly when the end of the race came on the radio he drove through the tunnel of the airport and the radio stopped.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Berwick [ 42] referred to a patient statement: "They give me exactly the help I need and want, exactly when and how I need and want it" (p. 558), which seemed to be the general ambition in our study.

BMC Health Services Research

With surf cams, you could go online and look at the waves and know exactly when to drop everything and dash to the coast.

The New Yorker

Listen to the signals you are getting and notice exactly when you and around whom you are feeling discomfort.

Huffington Post

You're smart and know exactly when I'm allowed to drink and when it's forbidden.

The New York Times - Books

She's vivacious and knows exactly when she needs to be serious and when she can crack jokes".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "and exactly when" to ensure clarity and precision when specifying a particular time or moment in a sequence of events or instructions. For example, "Please submit the report, and exactly when you expect to finish it."

Common error

Avoid using "and exactly when" when the specific time isn't critical or known. If the timing is flexible, use phrases like "at some point" or "eventually" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and exactly when" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects clauses while specifying the precise time or moment something occurs. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "and exactly when" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to pinpoint the specific timing of an action or event. Ludwig highlights its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is most prevalent in news, media, and scientific writing, carrying a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. For increased precision or to tailor to a different tone, consider alternatives like "and at what precise time" or "and the precise moment when". Remember to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring that the context warrants the emphasis on exact timing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and at what precise time

Emphasizes the precision of the timing.

and the precise moment when

Highlights a specific point in time.

and at the specific time that

Similar to the original phrase but more verbose.

and at which exact moment

Replaces "when" with "moment" for emphasis.

and the specific timing of

Focuses on the timing rather than the moment.

and the accurate time of

Highlights the accuracy of the time.

and when, precisely

Adds emphasis to the timing.

and what exact time

Directly asks for the specific time.

and the particular time that

Specifies a particular time without emphasizing precision.

and the point in time when

Refers to a specific point instead of a general time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "and exactly when" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives such as "and at what precise time", "and at the specific time that", or "and when, precisely", depending on the specific context.

What does "and exactly when" imply?

The phrase "and exactly when" implies a need for specificity regarding the timing of an event or action. It seeks to clarify the precise moment something should occur.

Is it acceptable to use "and exactly when" in formal writing?

Yes, "and exactly when" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly when precise timing is essential for clarity and accuracy. Its appropriateness depends on the context and the need for specificity.

What's the difference between "and when" and "and exactly when"?

"And when" seeks to understand the time something happens, whereas "and exactly when" emphasizes the need for a precise time, leaving no room for ambiguity. The second is more demanding about timing.