exact revenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exact revenge" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to describe the act of punishing someone for an injustice they have caused. For example: When the police arrested the bank robber, the victim was determined to exact revenge on him for his crimes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will he exact revenge?

The New Yorker

They duly exact revenge.

The Guardian - Music

Will she exact revenge?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Gotti was assigned to exact revenge.

The New York Times - Magazine

He did not want to exact revenge, said Stafford-Smith.

The Guardian

If you didn't, they might exact revenge upon the living.

The Guardian - Books

In return, Somalia's jihadists may try to exact revenge.

The Economist

Now it's time for the Mavericks to exact revenge.

The New York Times

We muttered that we would exact revenge the next year.

The New York Times - Sports

In Rocky IV, Rocky fights Drago to exact revenge for Drago's killing of his friend.

Harvard University

No one says so, of course, just in case the reptiles exact revenge.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exact revenge", ensure the context clearly establishes the wrong that was committed and the retaliatory action being taken. This phrase works best when emphasizing the deliberate and calculated nature of the retribution.

Common error

Avoid using "exact revenge" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "get even" or "get back at" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exact revenge" functions as a verbal phrase, where "exact" acts as a transitive verb taking "revenge" as its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. The phrase describes a purposeful action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exact revenge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying a deliberate act of retaliation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While generally neutral to formal in register, it's crucial to consider the audience and choose simpler alternatives like "get revenge" in informal settings. Analysis of source categories shows its prevalence in "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Academia". Understanding the nuances of "exact revenge" allows for more precise and impactful writing, whether discussing historical events, fictional narratives, or personal experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get revenge

Similar to "exact revenge" but uses a more common verb.

take vengeance

Focuses on the act of inflicting punishment or harm in return for an injury or wrong.

inflict retribution

Focuses on the act of imposing punishment.

seek retribution

Emphasizes the pursuit of justice or compensation for a wrong suffered.

get even

An informal way to describe retaliating or settling a score.

avenge oneself

Highlights the act of personally retaliating for harm done to oneself.

take retaliatory action

Emphasizes a formal or deliberate act of revenge.

retaliate

A general term for responding to an action with a similar action, often negative.

repay in kind

Implies returning a favor or injury with a similar action.

settle the score

Suggests bringing a conflict to a conclusion through retaliation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "exact revenge" is used to describe the act of deliberately retaliating against someone for a perceived wrong. For example: "After being betrayed, he vowed to "exact revenge" on his former ally".

What are some alternatives to "exact revenge"?

Alternatives to "exact revenge" include "take vengeance", "seek retribution", or "get even", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to say "get revenge" or "exact revenge"?

"Get revenge" is more commonly used and informal, while "exact revenge" carries a stronger, more formal connotation, suggesting a calculated and deliberate act of retribution. Choose the phrase that best fits the context and tone of your writing.

What is the nuance of using "exact revenge" compared to simply "revenge"?

The verb "exact" emphasizes the deliberate and forceful nature of the act. It implies a calculated effort to inflict a specific punishment or to settle a score in a precise manner, suggesting a more intense and planned form of retaliation than simply taking revenge.