exact match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exact match" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts such as search queries, data comparison, or programming to indicate that two items are identical in every way. Example: "When searching for products, make sure to select the option for an exact match to find items that meet your criteria precisely."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

And when we heard that she had got an exact match – not just close enough to be persuasive, but an exact match – it was an extraordinary moment.

The Guardian

A leading rival, Orbitz, promises that the price will be an exact match.

The New York Times

It does not require an exact match for credit reports to merge".

The New York Times

Exact match dates and venues will be announced at a later date.

The Guardian - Sport

which is exact match of (48).

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

In exact-match discovery, the requester requires an exact match to the requirements.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Figure 2 Exact-match query.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

The three following definitions formalize an exact-match query.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Search engines perform the exact-match algorithm for such queries.

Data Science and Engineering

A color-calibrated, exact-match, pigment analyzer it is not.

TechCrunch

The formal definition of the weighted-match query is very close to the exact-match query.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying search criteria or data comparison parameters, use "exact match" to ensure you retrieve results that are identical to your input, avoiding irrelevant or similar matches.

Common error

Avoid using "exact match" when you actually mean a close or partial match. "Exact match" implies complete identity, whereas a close match suggests similarity but not perfect agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exact match" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an adjective modifying another noun. It indicates a condition where two compared items are completely identical. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exact match" is a common and grammatically correct term used to denote complete identity between two items. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it is particularly prevalent in scientific and news-related contexts, indicating its importance in precise communication. When using "exact match", ensure that you intend to convey complete identity, avoiding confusion with similar but less precise terms. Alternatives like "perfect correspondence" or "precise equivalence" can offer nuanced ways to express a similar concept. Remember to use "exact match" when precision and accuracy are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfect correspondence

Focuses on the similarity or agreement between two things.

precise equivalence

Highlights the accuracy and sameness between two things.

identical counterpart

Emphasizes the duplication or mirroring of one thing by another.

accurate replication

Stresses the correctness and faithful reproduction of something.

mirror image

Suggests a reversed but identical representation.

carbon copy

Implies an exact duplicate, often used in a more informal context.

perfect fit

Indicates that something is ideally suited or matched.

dead ringer

An informal term for someone or something that looks exactly like another.

spitting image

An informal term for someone who looks exactly like another, often a parent.

one-to-one mapping

Emphasizes a direct and unambiguous correspondence between two sets of elements.

FAQs

How to use "exact match" in a sentence?

You can use "exact match" to describe scenarios where precision is key, such as "The database search requires an "exact match" for the product ID to prevent errors".

What can I say instead of "exact match"?

You can use alternatives like "perfect correspondence", "precise equivalence", or "identical counterpart" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "exact match" or "close match"?

The correct phrase depends on the context. Use ""exact match"" when you need a perfect, identical result. Use "close match" when a similar, but not identical, result is acceptable.

What's the difference between "exact match" and "similar match"?

"Exact match" means two things are completely identical. "Similar match" implies that they share some characteristics, but are not the same. An "exact match" is a subset of a "similar match".