exacting its

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exacting its" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that demands a high level of precision or strictness, often in the context of standards or requirements. Example: "The project was challenging, as it was exacting its demands on the team’s resources and time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

But war overtakes them, exacting its total surrender of pride, privacy, and finally, principle.

University of California, Berkeley

And the department's very visibility may be exacting its own price.

The New York Times

Men's redemption from sexual malfunction was exacting its physical toll on his already ragged penmanship.

The New York Times

Or because the long arm of Robespierre and the French Revolution is still exacting its revenge on the rebellious Vendee, which was never a coherent province to begin with.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Hooper imagined the rotting nuclear family formed by the Sawyer clan (oddly renamed the Hewitts in the remake) exacting its final parental revenge on the flower-power generation, represented as a group of helpless children.

The New York Times

Paine also has a sneaking fondness for narrative as a weapon of social justice that can result in every privilege exacting its weight in a corresponding soul sickness and every rebel being depicted as heroic.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Hollywood dangles fame and fortune, but it exacts its pound of flesh.

The Guardian

He adds, "This nonviolent incrementalism is clearly praiseworthy; yet in Florida in 2000 it exacted its price".

The New Yorker

Now it has exacted its revenge.

The Economist

To be sure, fame exacted its price, as it usually does.

Huffington Post

Perhaps repression exacts its cost.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exacting its" when you want to emphasize that something is demanding a particular cost, effort, or sacrifice. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the tone and message you intend to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "exacting its" in contexts where a more neutral or positive tone is desired. The phrase typically carries a sense of burden or consequence, which may not be appropriate for every situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exacting its" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as part of a larger clause to describe an action that imposes a cost, demands a toll, or requires some form of sacrifice. As shown in Ludwig, the action often has negative or burdensome consequences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exacting its" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a situation where something demands a price, consequence, or sacrifice. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its presence across various authoritative sources, including The New York Times and The Guardian, validates its usage in diverse contexts. While generally neutral, it often carries a slightly negative connotation. Alternatives such as "demanding its" or "taking its toll" offer similar meanings but may vary in nuance. Therefore, when using "exacting its", consider the specific context and intended tone to ensure it aligns with your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demanding its

Focuses on the demanding nature of the action, highlighting what is required.

taking its toll

Emphasizes the negative impact or burden caused by the action.

imposing its cost

Highlights the cost or consequence associated with the action.

requiring its sacrifice

Stresses the sacrifice or loss involved.

extracting its price

Similar to exacting, but focuses on extracting something of value.

levying its charge

Implies a formal assessment or imposition of a burden.

inflicting its penalty

Highlights the punitive aspect of the action.

assessing its burden

Focuses on the burden that is being evaluated and imposed.

claiming its due

Suggests that something is rightfully owed and being claimed.

commanding its pound of flesh

Draws from a well-known idiom emphasizing a harsh or uncompromising demand.

FAQs

How can I use "exacting its" in a sentence?

You can use "exacting its" to describe something that demands a high price or sacrifice. For example, "The war was exacting its toll on the civilian population."

What does "exacting its toll" mean?

It means something is having a negative impact or effect, demanding a cost in terms of resources, health, or well-being. Similar phrases include "taking its toll" or "demanding its price".

Which is the correct usage, "exacting its toll" or "extracting its toll"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "exacting its toll" is more common when referring to the consequences or burdens something imposes. "Extracting its price" is also correct. Consider using "taking its toll" as another viable alternative.

What are some alternatives to "exacting its"?

Alternatives include "demanding its", "taking its toll", or "imposing its cost". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.