exact question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exact question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to refer to a specific question without ambiguity. Example: "Can you please clarify the exact question you would like me to answer?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Queen Life or death, it is the exact question.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Full results and exact question wording and order is available at www.wapo.st/pollarchive.

The Washington Post

Full results and exact question wording and order are available at: www.wapo.st/pollarchive.

The Washington Post

TODD ROSE: So when I started writing the book, I was actually interesting that exact question.

Harvard Business Review

DAN MCGINN: Well, Adi Ignatius, our editor, asked Sorensen that exact question.

Harvard Business Review

He's like, "What meant a lot to you?" … [to Arsham] What was the exact question?

The New York Times

Of course, whether those outlets posed a threat to satellite radio was the exact question that the Justice Department and the Federal Communications Commission had to answer.

The New York Times - Tech

I met Nixon only once, about a year after the "Nixon-Frost" (as they were called) interviews were shown, and somewhat cheekily asked him that exact question.

The New York Times - Magazine

The cabinet must also determine the exact question to be put and the extent to which the government will allow exemptions from anti-discrimination laws.

The Guardian

This kind of thing pushes my buttons, because we have refocused ourselves, just recently, on this exact question in my household.

The New York Times

This process begins with the first step in the practice of evidence based medicine, that of converting the need for information into an exact question, which facilitates the search process.

Rehabilitación

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking clarification, use "exact question" to ensure there's no ambiguity about what you're asking. This promotes clear and effective communication.

Common error

While "exact question" is appropriate in formal settings, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "What did you ask?" are often more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exact question" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "exact" modifies the noun "question". This structure is used to specify a particular inquiry without any ambiguity. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exact question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize the need for clarity and precision in an inquiry. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely applicable across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While suitable for professional and neutral registers, simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal settings. To enhance clarity in your writing, using "exact question" ensures there is no misunderstanding about the inquiry's nature. Related phrases such as ""precise question"" or "specific question" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise question

Emphasizes accuracy and detail in the question.

specific question

Highlights the definiteness and lack of ambiguity in the question.

actual question

Focuses on the reality or genuineness of the question.

correct question

Indicates the question is accurate and valid.

particular question

Stresses a specific instance of a question.

identical question

Highlights that the question is the very same as one previously posed.

very question

Adds emphasis to the question being discussed.

literal question

Denotes a question taken in its most basic or non-figurative sense.

direct question

Implies a straightforward and unambiguous inquiry.

pertinent question

Stresses the relevance of the question to the topic at hand.

FAQs

How can I use "exact question" in a sentence?

You can use "exact question" to emphasize the need for a precise and unambiguous inquiry. For example, "Could you please state the "precise question" you want me to answer?"

What can I say instead of "exact question"?

You can use alternatives like "specific question", ""precise question"", or "actual question" depending on the context.

Is it better to ask the "exact question" or a related question?

Asking the "exact question" ensures you get the information you need without ambiguity. However, sometimes a related question can provide additional context or insights.

What's the difference between asking the "exact question" and rephrasing the question?

Asking the "exact question" means repeating the question verbatim. Rephrasing involves expressing the same question in different words, potentially altering the nuance or focus.