exact science

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exact science" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe disciplines that rely heavily on precise measurements and calculations, such as physics, chemistry, or mathematics. For example, "In the pursuit of knowledge, physics has proven to be an exact science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Parenthood isn't an exact science.

Independent

It's not an exact science.

The New York Times - Sports

It isn't an exact science".

The New York Times - Sports

Defining ultraluxury is not an exact science.

The New York Times

There's no exact science to it".

The New York Times

Polling is not an exact science.

The Economist

So it's not an exact science.

The New York Times

Business management is not an exact science.

The Economist

Football is not an exact science.

The Guardian - Sport

Demography has never been an exact science.

The New York Times - Science

"Chemistry is not an exact science".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exact science" when you want to emphasize the precision, accuracy, and testability of a scientific field or methodology.

Common error

Avoid using "exact science" to describe fields that involve subjective interpretation or lack consistent, quantifiable results. For instance, applying it to social sciences or art might be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exact science" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe specific fields of study that rely on precise, quantifiable data and rigorous methodologies. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "exact science" is a common noun phrase used to describe fields of study characterized by precision, accuracy, and testability, such as physics and chemistry. Ludwig AI validates the proper and frequent usage of this phrase across various contexts, primarily in news, media and science. The phrase helps to distinguish between scientific disciplines that rely on quantifiable data and rigorous methodologies versus those that are more interpretive. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's important to apply this term appropriately, avoiding its use in contexts lacking consistent, quantifiable results. Recognizing its function and purpose, as well as its prevalence in formal and scientific registers, ensures clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise discipline

Focuses on the characteristic of precision inherent in the field.

rigorous field of study

Emphasizes the strictness and thoroughness of the scientific area.

quantitative science

Highlights the use of numerical data and measurements.

hard science

Common term contrasting with social sciences.

mathematical science

Specific type of science relying heavily on mathematics.

empirical science

Focuses on observation and experimentation.

scientific exactitude

Highlights the quality of being exact in science.

precise calculation

Focuses on the aspect of making exact calculations within a field.

deterministic system

Highlights that the field has well-defined rules with predictable outputs.

predictive science

Emphasizes that the branch can predict the outcomes.

FAQs

How do you use "exact science" in a sentence?

You can use "exact science" to describe fields like physics or chemistry, as in, "Physics is considered an "exact science" because its theories are testable and its predictions are often accurate."

What fields are typically referred to as an "exact science"?

Fields like physics, chemistry, mathematics, and astronomy are typically referred to as "exact sciences" because of their emphasis on quantitative data, precise measurements, and testable hypotheses.

What are some antonyms for "exact science"?

Antonyms could include phrases like "soft science", "social science", or "humanities", which often deal with more subjective or interpretive data.

Is it appropriate to call economics an "exact science"?

While economics uses quantitative methods, it's often debated whether it qualifies as an "exact science" due to the complexities of human behavior and the difficulty of conducting controlled experiments. Some may argue it is closer to a social science.