exactly against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a precise opposition or contradiction to something. Example: "Her views on the matter were exactly against the principles we stand for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

This is, of course, exactly against what the French say their policy is.

The New Yorker

If the offer really is voluntary, why the "guaranteed" interest payments, to be secured (how, exactly?) against future tax revenues?

The Economist

But the new plates are designed to fit exactly against the shape of the bone, making the bone more stable.

The New York Times - Health

But it was not exactly against the run of play when Plymouth made it 4-1, Young curling a splendid free-kick into the top corner from 20 yards.

The Guardian - Sport

But the natural incentives of those with power run exactly against such freedom.

Huffington Post

The question is simple: How, exactly, against the backdrop of a gruesome chokehold video seen by millions, did Pantaleo walk free?

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

I've always been, not anti-Europe exactly, but against the common market.

The Guardian

His team's last victory had come exactly 10 days ago, against the same opponent.

The New York Times - Sports

The previous club record was 50 points by Jamal Mashburn exactly 13 years earlier against the Grizzlies.

The Guardian - Sport

As Linda might have said about herself: "She didn't exactly rage against the dying of the light, but she gave it quite a look".

The Guardian

A team which opened 5-0 has now lost three straight - and they weren't exactly up against the league's best.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exactly against" to express a precise or direct contradiction. This phrase is more emphatic than simply saying "against".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "exactly against" can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "completely against" or "totally against" for a more natural tone in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly against" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the preposition "against". It is used to express a strong and precise opposition to something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exactly against" is a grammatically correct expression used to emphasize precise opposition or contradiction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While common across various contexts, including news, science, and wiki sources, it tends to be slightly more formal. For informal contexts, consider alternatives such as "completely against" or "totally against". Remember to use "exactly against" when you wish to clearly and strongly express a direct opposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

directly opposed to

More straightforward and emphasizes direct contradiction.

in direct opposition to

Formal and highlights the act of opposing.

precisely contrary to

Emphasizes the exact opposite nature.

diametrically opposed to

Stresses complete opposition, like opposite ends of a diameter.

in complete contrast to

Highlights the difference and lack of similarity.

at odds with

Suggests a conflict or disagreement.

running counter to

Implies movement in the opposite direction.

in defiance of

Highlights a rebellious or challenging stance.

squarely against

Highlights the absence of doubt about the intention of opposing.

dead set against

Indicates a firm and unwavering opposition.

FAQs

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

Use "exactly against" to show precise opposition. For example, "Her proposal was exactly against the company's policy".

What is a more informal way to say "exactly against"?

Consider using phrases like "completely against", "totally against", or "dead set against" "dead set against" for a less formal tone.

When is it appropriate to use "exactly against" in writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing, professional reports, or when emphasizing a precise contradiction or opposition.

Is there a subtle difference between using "exactly against" versus "directly against"?

"Exactly against" implies a precise and complete opposition, while "directly against" "directly against" suggests a more immediate or head-on opposition.