does not exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not exactly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not completely accurate or precise, often implying a degree of approximation or uncertainty. Example: "The results of the experiment do not exactly match our initial predictions, suggesting that further investigation is needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Moore does not exactly conceal his.

The New Yorker

He does not exactly lack for work.

The New York Times

Mr. Dormer does not exactly project urgency.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Serpico does not exactly agree.

The New York Times

He does not exactly hide the fact.

The Guardian - Books

This does not exactly narrow it down.

The New York Times

Rivers does not exactly share this view.

The New York Times - Magazine

The soft-spoken Pacquiao does not exactly disdain money.

Independent

The company does not exactly need the money.

The Economist

Sure, "Two Weeks Notice" does not exactly scream fearless.

The New York Times

But the "right image" does not exactly mean looking young.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does not exactly" to introduce nuance or qualification to a statement, avoiding overly absolute or definitive language. It's useful when something is generally true but has exceptions or variations.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple negations. Using "does not exactly" in conjunction with other negative words can create confusing and convoluted sentences. Strive for clarity by rephrasing to use positive language where possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not exactly" functions as a qualifier, softening or moderating a statement. It indicates that something is not completely accurate, precise, or true, but rather approximate. Ludwig examples show how this phrase is used to introduce nuance and avoid absolute claims. It is generally used to express a degree of uncertainty or approximation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "does not exactly" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a degree of approximation or qualification. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, especially in News & Media. When writing, remember to use it to avoid overstatements and convey nuance. However, be mindful of potential overuse and stacking with other negative words, which may lead to convoluted sentence. Consider alternatives like "isn't quite" or "not entirely" for variety and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not perfectly

This alternative indicates that something falls short of being flawless or ideal.

not precisely

This alternative stresses the lack of exactness or accuracy.

not accurately

This alternative focuses on the lack of accuracy in a statement or description.

not strictly

This alternative highlights that something may not adhere to a specific rule or definition.

not entirely

This alternative emphasizes that something is only partially true or accurate.

doesn't fully

This alternative indicates that something does not completely achieve a certain state or quality.

isn't quite

This alternative provides a more informal way of saying something is not completely accurate or true.

not altogether

This alternative suggests that something is not completely the case, but may be partially so.

not really

This alternative is a more casual way to express that something is not quite the case.

not faithfully

This alternative emphasizes the lack of a true or loyal representation.

FAQs

How can I use "does not exactly" in a sentence?

Use "does not exactly" to indicate that something isn't completely accurate or precise, often implying a degree of approximation. For example, "The data "does not exactly support" the hypothesis, but it suggests a trend".

What phrases are similar to "does not exactly"?

Alternatives include "isn't quite", "not entirely", and "not precisely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "does not exactly" or "is not exactly"?

Both "does not exactly" and "is not exactly" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the verb tense and the subject of the sentence. For example, use "does not exactly" with verbs in the present simple tense for third-person singular subjects (e.g., "He does not exactly agree").

When should I avoid using "does not exactly"?

Avoid using "does not exactly" when you need to express something with absolute certainty or precision. In those cases, opt for more direct and unambiguous language. In addition, you should be careful in avoiding stacking it with other negative terms in the sentence, which can make it confusing and convoluted.