do exactly that

USAGE SUMMARY

"do exactly that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of following a specific instruction or when you want someone to take a particular action. For example, "If you want to improve your grades, then you need to study more - do exactly that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Trying to do exactly that," Sabathia said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're positioned ideally to do exactly that".

Independent

Some people, I think, do exactly that".

The New York Times - Travel

Now we're set up to do exactly that".

The Guardian

"And I trust he will do exactly that".

The New York Times

There was a "lockpicking village" where interested parties do exactly that: pick locks.

The New York Times

My mission is to make sure we do exactly that".

The Guardian

Mike and his team know how to do exactly that".

TechCrunch

Some people do exactly that, without consequence.

Huffington Post

See her do exactly that below.

Huffington Post

Act!" This year, voters everywhere must do exactly that: Act!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In persuasive writing, follow up an argument with "do exactly that" to encourage readers to take a specific, decisive action based on your reasoning.

Common error

Ensure that the "that" in "do exactly that" clearly refers to a specific, previously mentioned action. Ambiguous references can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do exactly that" functions primarily as a directive, urging the listener or reader to perform a specific action precisely as previously described or instructed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do exactly that" is a directive phrase used to emphasize the importance of precisely following a previously stated instruction or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific contexts, indicating its versatility. To ensure clarity, always make sure that the reference for "that" is unambiguous. When you aim to stress the importance of precise execution, "do exactly that" is a clear and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

execute precisely that

Emphasizes the act of carrying out something with exactness.

carry out just that

Focuses on performing a specific action without deviation.

accomplish specifically that

Highlights the achievement of a particular objective in a detailed manner.

perform precisely that action

Underscores the specific nature of the task being executed.

implement that very thing

Stresses the execution of a certain, previously mentioned item or plan.

act accordingly in that manner

Indicates behaving in a way that perfectly aligns with given instructions or expectations.

follow through with that specifically

Suggests completing something with an emphasis on the particular detail.

undertake that exact task

Emphasizes the commitment to a certain duty or activity.

realize that very aim

Highlights the achievement of a particular goal.

enact that particular step

Focuses on performing a certain action within a series of steps or procedures.

FAQs

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

You can use "do exactly that" to emphasize the precise action someone should take, such as, "If you want to succeed, study hard and "do exactly that"."

What are some alternatives to "do exactly that"?

Some alternatives include "execute precisely that", "carry out just that", or "accomplish specifically that" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "do exactly that" or "do exactly this"?

"Do exactly that" is used to refer to a previously mentioned action. "Do exactly this" is used to demonstrate an action in the present moment.

Is it okay to use "do exactly that" in formal writing?

Yes, "do exactly that" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its purpose is to emphasize precision, which is valuable in any context.