but exactly that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but exactly that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a specific point or idea that has just been mentioned, often to clarify or reinforce it. Example: "I don't want anything more than what we've discussed, but exactly that is what I need to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But exactly that condition has been gaining ground in American life since September 11th.

The Economist

When you swing closed a cupboard door, even if it's in the stillness of your home at night, energy will appear in the gliding movement of the door, but exactly that much energy is removed from your muscles.

The Guardian

The idea of such an invitation being extended to an Israeli once at the centre of a furore that threatened the future of one of the UAE's most important competitions might have seemed even more unlikely – but exactly that scenario is being played out here at this week's Dubai Duty Free Championships.

Independent

Agreeing that terrible sexual behaviour (hardly new to the 70s) took place, some possibly encouraged by a sense of freedom, but exactly that same freedom and openness changed society's attitudes, making us more tolerant of some things and less tolerant in others.

BBC

It is not that the big emotions we feel - love or lust or loyalty - are more mystical than their biological origins but exactly that they are far more material, more over-loaded with precise dates and data, associations and allegiances, experiences and memories, days and times.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But for exactly that reason, benefits would also be modest.

Columbia University

But how exactly that will happen remains unsettled.

The New York Times - Arts

But how, exactly, that occurs hasn't been well understood," Sonnenburg said.

Stanford University

Sounds good, but what exactly that means for Quanta's future is still vague.

Forbes

But it's exactly that".

The Guardian - Music

But Smorgasburg is exactly that: an event.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but exactly that" to reinforce a specific point, ensuring clarity and emphasis in your writing. It works best when the 'that' refers to something immediately preceding it in the text.

Common error

Avoid using "but exactly that" to introduce completely new or unrelated information. It's designed to emphasize or clarify something already mentioned, not to start a new train of thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but exactly that" functions as a conjunctive phrase, serving to emphasize, clarify, or reinforce a preceding statement. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English to emphasize a specific idea that has just been mentioned. This usage is confirmed by several examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

43%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but exactly that" functions as a conjunctive phrase used to emphasize, clarify, or reinforce a preceding statement. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not overly common, it appears across various contexts, including news media and academic writing, indicating a neutral register. To ensure clarity, it should be used to build from a preceding idea, not to introduce a new one. Consider "but precisely that" or "but just that" as alternatives to "but exactly that" depending on context. In essence, while correct, its effectiveness lies in its strategic use to reinforce specific details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but precisely that

Replaces "exactly" with "precisely", offering a slightly more formal tone.

but just that

Substitutes "exactly" with "just", conveying a sense of limitation or sufficiency.

but specifically that

Emphasizes the specific nature of what is being referred to.

but indeed that

Uses "indeed" for a stronger affirmation, adding a touch of formality.

but truly that

Replaces "exactly" with "truly" to convey sincerity or genuineness.

but literally that

Highlights that something is not figurative but real, used for emphasis.

but quite that

Indicates agreement with reservation or qualification.

but only that

Emphasizes the exclusivity or restrictiveness of what is being mentioned.

but namely that

Introduces a specific detail or example to clarify a previous statement.

but in fact that

Adds a tone of confirmation or surprise, emphasizing the truth of a statement.

FAQs

How can I use "but exactly that" in a sentence?

Use "but exactly that" to emphasize a specific point or clarify a previous statement. For example: "I need the report by Friday, but "but exactly that" is impossible with the current workload."

What are some alternatives to "but exactly that"?

Alternatives include "but precisely that", "but just that", or "but specifically that", depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but exactly that"?

While grammatically permissible, starting a sentence with "but exactly that" is less common. It typically functions as a continuation or clarification of a previous statement and is better used in the second part of a compound sentence or as a connector between related ideas.

What's the difference between "but exactly that" and "but that's it"?

"But exactly that" emphasizes a particular detail or condition, whereas "but that's it" implies a limitation or finality. The former clarifies, the latter concludes or restricts. For example: "I want a raise, but exactly that isn't possible right now" versus "I'll help you move, but that's it, I'm busy later".