exactly answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly answer" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to an answer that is precise and exact. For example, "He was able to exactly answer the questions on the multiple-choice exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He didn't exactly answer directly during the CNBC interview, even though Harwood asked the question twice.

The Washington Post

But Hewitt noted that Graham didn't exactly answer the question and asked again whether "spygate" was appropriate.

The Washington Post

Bachmann came off well, and York defended his question while praising her response — even though she didn't exactly answer.

The Washington Post

"Seth is funny in the way I wished I could be funny when I was doing standup," he replies, which doesn't exactly answer the question.

The Guardian - Film

Asked where he usually painted them, the artist, a thin young man wearing a baseball cap, smiled and did not exactly answer the question.

The New York Times - Arts

Why?" The book doesn't exactly answer this, and July admits she doesn't know what role she's playing in this self-induced drama — that of "a journalist or a detective"?

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"I typically don't read the reviews," he said, not exactly answering the question.

The New York Times

"I hope I would be an advocate for people," he said, not exactly answering the question.

The New York Times

"Why" is not exactly answered in "Miracle at Midnight," a television film starring Sam Waterston and Mia Farrow on ABC tonight.

The New York Times

Of course, we still haven't exactly answered the larger accounting question, whether the Postal Service is making or losing money on the Amazon contract.

The Washington Post

A biography, "Leo & His Circle: The Life of Leo Castelli" (Knopf; $35), by Annie Cohen-Solal, written in French and elegantly translated by Mark Polizzotti and the author, immerses the question in facts and sensitive analysis without exactly answering it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exactly answer" when you want to emphasize the precision and directness of a response, especially in situations where clarity is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly answer" in casual conversation where a less formal phrasing would be more appropriate. Overuse can sound stiff or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly answer" functions as a descriptor of a response, emphasizing precision and accuracy. Ludwig's examples show its use in contexts where the completeness or directness of an answer is being evaluated. It's mostly used to evaluate if the answer is complete.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exactly answer" is used to describe a response that is precise and complete. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and used to assess the completeness and accuracy of a response, especially in contexts where clarity is crucial. It is most commonly found in news and media, academia, and scientific sources, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. When writing, use "exactly answer" to emphasize the directness and precision you expect in a response and avoid overusing it in casual contexts where it might sound unnatural. Some alternatives include "precisely answer", "directly address", and "accurately answer".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely answer

Replaces 'exactly' with 'precisely' maintaining the emphasis on accuracy.

specifically answer

Focuses on the detailed and particular nature of the response.

accurately answer

Highlights the correctness and truthfulness of the response.

directly answer

Emphasizes that the response addresses the question without evasion.

definitely answer

Suggests a clear and unambiguous response.

give a precise answer

Uses a different grammatical structure while retaining the meaning of accuracy.

provide an exact response

Substitutes 'answer' with 'response' and maintains the emphasis on accuracy.

respond with precision

Shifts the focus to the manner of responding, emphasizing accuracy.

address directly

Indicates a straightforward handling of the query, not necessarily implying completeness.

unequivocally answer

Highlights the absence of ambiguity in the response.

FAQs

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

You can use "exactly answer" to describe a response that is precise and complete, such as: "The witness was able to "accurately answer" all the questions posed by the lawyer".

What does it mean when someone doesn't "exactly answer" a question?

When someone doesn't "exactly answer", it means they are being evasive, providing an incomplete response, or avoiding the core issue altogether. This can imply a desire to conceal information or avoid commitment.

What are some alternatives to "exactly answer"?

Some alternatives include "directly address", "specifically respond to", or "provide a precise answer". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to "exactly answer" or provide a more nuanced response?

Whether to "exactly answer" or provide a more nuanced response depends on the situation. In legal or technical contexts, precision is key. In other scenarios, a more nuanced response that considers multiple factors may be more appropriate.