answer the question exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answer the question exactly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to respond to a question with precision and without deviation from the asked query. Example: "In your essay, please answer the question exactly to ensure clarity and focus in your argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Anybody would be proud to answer it -- any real American would be proud to answer the question, 'Are you or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?' " "I could answer the question exactly the way you want," Mr. Lardner replied, "but if I did, I would hate myself in the morning".

The New York Times

Astronomers like Charbonneau are making strides on the journey to answer the question, "Exactly how rare are we?" On receiving the award, Charbonneau noted that it was an incredible honor, saying "It's an acknowledgement that if you take risks you're going to be rewarded.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet To note the anniversary, I sent some questions to people originally involved with the album: "What is your strangest memory of 'Slanted'?" "Is there an inaccuracy around the release that needs correcting?" The only person to answer the questions exactly as they were posed was Stephen Malkmus; his response is presented as received, idiosyncrasies uncorrected.

The New Yorker

To note the anniversary, I sent some questions to people originally involved with the album: "What is your strangest memory of 'Slanted'?" "Is there an inaccuracy around the release that needs correcting?" The only person to answer the questions exactly as they were posed was Stephen Malkmus; his response is presented as received, idiosyncrasies uncorrected.

The New Yorker

Not only does it draw an uncomfortable distinction between the observer and what he is observing; it also fails to answer the question of exactly how the act of observation collapses the wave function.

The Economist

Luckily for the rest of us, there are public opinion polls which actually answer the question of exactly what the American people want.

Huffington Post

Just answer the question!!" He has exactly the right mix of brooding menace and gimlety sulking.

The Guardian - Books

But such evidence, however intriguing, fails to answer the critical questions: Exactly who in the Pakistani government is helping the militants and why?

The New York Times - Magazine

And it may mean engaging the Syrians, even before they answer the question of what, exactly, they were building in the desert.

The New York Times

But that didn't answer the question of what, exactly, was behind this nerve damage.

Science Magazine

Future studies will have to answer the question of how exactly mollies determine predators' motivation, but changes in color and movement patterns are the most likely candidates [ 88].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking clarity in communication, use the phrase "answer the question exactly" to encourage precise and focused responses. For example, in a survey, instruct participants to "answer the question exactly" as it is phrased to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

A common mistake is to provide a general answer when a specific one is required. Instead of vaguely addressing the topic, ensure you directly address the question's core elements to "answer the question exactly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer the question exactly" functions as an instruction or request, typically used to emphasize the need for a precise and focused response. It prompts someone to directly address the specific points raised in a query. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "answer the question exactly" serves as a directive for precision and focus in responding to a question. Grammatically correct and understandable, it is used to solicit responses that directly address the specific issues raised, avoiding ambiguity. Ludwig identifies the phrase as grammatically sound. Although the phrase has a neutral register, it appears most frequently in News & Media, followed by Science and Formal & Business contexts. While the phrase "answer the question exactly" isn't overly common, its use is a helpful reminder to be focused and precise in communication. Alternatives include phrases such as ""provide a precise answer"" or "respond accurately".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide a precise answer to the question

Changes the verb from "answer" to "provide" and uses "precise" instead of "exactly" to emphasize accuracy.

give an exact answer to the query

Changes the verb from "answer" to "give", uses "exact", and substitutes "question" for "query".

respond to the question accurately

Replaces "answer" with "respond" and "exactly" with "accurately", focusing on the correctness of the response.

give a direct answer to the question

Emphasizes the straightforwardness of the answer, avoiding ambiguity or evasion.

answer the question fully

Focuses on completeness, ensuring all aspects of the question are addressed.

address the question specifically

Highlights the tailored nature of the response, targeting the specific points raised.

answer the question to the point

Stresses the relevance and conciseness of the answer.

answer the question without deviation

Indicates that the answer should strictly adhere to the scope of the question.

answer the question faithfully

Implies that the response is a genuine and truthful representation.

answer the question in detail

Focuses on the level of depth and thoroughness in the answer.

FAQs

How can I ensure I "answer the question exactly"?

To ensure you "answer the question exactly", carefully analyze the question's wording, identify its core requirements, and then construct your response to directly address those points without adding extraneous information.

What does it mean to "answer the question exactly"?

To "answer the question exactly" means to provide a response that is precise, focused, and directly addresses the specific issues raised in the question, avoiding ambiguity or irrelevant details.

Which is better, "answer the question exactly" or "provide a precise answer"?

Both "answer the question exactly" and ""provide a precise answer"" are acceptable, but the former emphasizes adherence to the question's specific wording, while the latter highlights the accuracy of the response.

What are some alternative phrases to "answer the question exactly"?

Some alternative phrases to "answer the question exactly" include "respond accurately", "give a direct answer", or "address the question specifically".