exactly a lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly a lot" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts, but it creates confusion as "exactly" and "a lot" are contradictory terms. Example: "I don't know exactly a lot about the topic, but I can share some insights."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I mean, it's not exactly a lot to ask these days.

The Guardian

It's hard to know exactly; a lot of people don't like to talk about it.

The New Yorker

"I wanted to work in the movie business, and there aren't exactly a lot of jobs in film that you can have in Omaha.

The New York Times

MR. GORE -- I think that, well that vote wasn't exactly, a lot of supporters of the Kyoto treaty actually ended up voting for that because of the way it was worded, but there's no doubt there's a lot of opposition to it in the Senate.

The New York Times

There isn't exactly a lot of material available with which to research a Restoration-period lady who doubles up by night as a feared highwayman, who 800 years before was a Viking girl, turned by an eternity of watching everyone around her die.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There's not been exactly a lot happening in football recently so everything will get milked at the moment.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Actually, singing the blues is exactly what a lot of black people were doing in the pre-Civil Rights era South, but facts aren't exactly Robertson's strong suit.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's not exactly saying a lot, is it?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

No one is quite sure, exactly, when a lot became too many.

The New York Times

'I hadn't exactly done a lot of international travelling, shall we say,' Evra says.

The Guardian - Sport

Cushing does his best, but he's not exactly given a lot to work with.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, avoid using "exactly a lot" due to its ambiguity; instead, opt for alternatives that convey the intended quantity more accurately.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly a lot" when you actually mean "not much" or "very little". The phrase can be confusing because "exactly" implies precision while "a lot" implies quantity. Use phrases like "not much", "hardly any", or "only a little" to convey small quantities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly a lot" functions as an adverbial quantifier, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate the extent or degree of something. However, as Ludwig AI points out, the combination is often contradictory, leading to potential ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "exactly a lot" appears across diverse contexts, its grammatical correctness is disputable and it is classified as "Incorrect" by Ludwig AI. It often attempts to convey 'not much' or 'a limited amount', leading to potential confusion due to the conflicting nature of "exactly" and "a lot". Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Academia sources, it's advisable to use more precise quantifiers for clarity, especially in formal writing. Consider alternatives like ""not much"", "a moderate amount", or "just a bit" for more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not much

Indicates a small quantity or degree; a common alternative.

not a great deal

More formal than "not much", suggesting a limited amount.

a moderate amount

Implies an average or reasonable quantity.

a fair amount

Indicates a reasonable or considerable quantity, but not excessive.

not particularly much

Emphasizes the lack of a significant quantity.

a limited quantity

Highlights the restriction or scarcity of the amount.

scarcely any

Suggests a very small or almost nonexistent quantity.

hardly any

Similar to "scarcely any", indicating a minimal amount.

only a little

Emphasizes the small size or extent.

just a bit

An informal way of saying "only a little".

FAQs

What does "exactly a lot" mean?

The phrase "exactly a lot" is often used informally to mean 'not much' or 'a limited quantity'. However, because "exactly" and "a lot" are somewhat contradictory, it can lead to confusion.

How can I use "exactly a lot" in a sentence?

While grammatically questionable, you might use it in informal contexts. Example: "I don't know "not much", but I know that is something." It's generally better to use a clearer alternative.

Which is correct, "exactly a lot" or "a lot"?

"A lot" is grammatically correct and means 'a large quantity'. "Exactly a lot" is less standard and its usage often implies a smaller, limited quantity, creating ambiguity.

What can I say instead of "exactly a lot"?

Depending on the intended meaning, you can use alternatives like ""not much"", "a moderate amount", or "just a bit".