exact wording

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exact wording" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the precise language or phrasing used in a statement or document. An example is: "Please provide the exact wording of the contract." Alternative expressions include "precise wording" and "specific phrasing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The exact wording and mechanics can vary.

The New York Times

He asks to be read the exact wording.

The Guardian

Charlie, how important is the exact wording here?

The New York Times

Here, I'd bet, depending on the exact wording, the troika mentioned above would have backed Williams.

The Guardian - Opinion

For instance, here's the exact wording of a press release about the previously mentioned healthcare plan.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Christensen did not disclose the exact wording of any proposed changes to the legislation.

The New York Times

Sometimes I've had ideas for years before arriving at an exact wording.

The Guardian

A lengthy private discussion ensued between the two barristers about the exact wording of the admission.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you aren't sure of the exact wording, use indirect speech.

The Guardian

Sinn Fein instead concentrates on the exact wording in the agreement alone.

The Guardian

I don't recall the exact wording, but it was something like this.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase to signal that you are about to provide a direct quote or to justify why you are scrutinizing a specific sentence structure.

Common error

Avoid using "exact wording" for trivial details where a simple paraphrase is sufficient. Using it too frequently in casual writing can make your prose feel unnecessarily pedantic or legalistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exact wording" functions as a noun phrase composed of the adjective "exact" and the gerund/noun "wording". According to Ludwig AI, it is primarily used to denote the literal, word-for-word content of a statement or document, serving as a direct object or the subject of a clause involving scrutiny or citation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exact wording" is an essential tool for writers who need to emphasize linguistic precision. It is grammatically correct and widely utilized across a variety of professional domains. Ludwig AI shows a high concentration of this phrase in investigative journalism and scientific research, where the specific phrasing of a quote or a methodology is paramount. Whether you are discussing legal clauses in The New York Times or survey questions in a medical journal, "exact wording" serves as a clear signal for word-for-word accuracy. Alternatives like "<a href="/s/precise+language" target="_blank" rel="alternative">precise language" can be used to vary your prose, but few phrases capture the same level of literal scrutiny as "exact wording".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise language

Swaps wording for language to suggest a broader communicative context.

specific phrasing

Emphasizes the arrangement and choice of words rather than just the words themselves.

precise phrasing

A direct synonym that focuses on the exact sequence of expressions used.

verbatim text

Adds a slightly more formal, Latin-derived tone often used in legal or academic citation.

literal wording

Focuses on the strict, non-figurative interpretation of the text.

actual words

A more common, less formal way to refer to the original statement.

exact terminology

Specifically refers to the technical or specialized words used in a field.

original language

Refers back to the first instance or source of the text.

identical wording

Strongly implies a direct comparison between two sets of text.

literal text

Shifts the focus slightly toward the physical or written representation of the words.

FAQs

How to use exact wording in a sentence?

You can use it as a noun phrase to refer to a specific quote or text. For example: "The lawyer scrutinized the exact wording of the contract to find a loophole."

What can I say instead of exact wording?

Depending on your context, you might use alternatives like "<a href="/s/precise+language" target="_blank" rel="alternative">precise language", "<a href="/s/verbatim+account" target="_blank" rel="alternative">verbatim account", or "<a href="/s/actual+words" target="_blank" rel="alternative">actual words".

What is the difference between exact wording and verbatim?

While both refer to word-for-word accuracy, "<a href="/s/verbatim" target="_blank" rel="alternative">verbatim" is often used as an adverb or adjective for the act of repeating (e.g., "he repeated it verbatim"), whereas "exact wording" is a noun phrase referring to the text itself.

Is it correct to say the exact same wording?

Yes, although it is slightly redundant, the phrase "<a href="/s/the+exact+same+wording" target="_blank" rel="alternative">the exact same wording" is frequently used for emphasis in both formal and informal English.