exactly being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly being" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where you want to emphasize the precise nature of a state or condition, but it is generally better to rephrase for clarity. Example: "I am not exactly being myself today."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

And it's funny without exactly being satirical.

The New York Times - Books

They weren't exactly being asked to open the floodgates, or endorse mob rule.

The New Yorker

"There was martial law without there exactly being martial law," the Prime Minister observed to me.

The New Yorker

"When the United Nations puts every outbreak on wild birds, they're not exactly being Sherlock Holmes in their inquiries".

The New York Times - Science

It wasn't immediately obvious to Shook, who describes himself as "not a tech person," what exactly being hacked meant.

The New Yorker

The sentence is in the third person, yet we are not exactly being told something by the author.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

What exactly is Lapland?

Independent

What exactly is that?

The New York Times

What, exactly, is pepperoni?

The New York Times

Where exactly are those?

The New York Times

Who exactly are "whites"?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exactly being", consider if a more direct verb or adjective can replace the phrase for improved clarity. For instance, instead of "not exactly being honest", use "being dishonest".

Common error

Avoid using "exactly being" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more concise and precise phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly being" functions as a qualifier, adding a nuance to the description of a state or action. It indicates a degree of precision or accuracy. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase might sound awkward or unclear and better alternatives should be used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exactly being" is a phrase used to add a degree of qualification or precision to a statement, but as Ludwig AI suggests, it's not always the most direct or clear choice. While commonly found in news and media contexts, it can often be replaced with more concise phrasing for improved clarity and formality. When using "exactly being", consider its register and whether a stronger verb or adjective would better convey the intended meaning. Although widely used, it can be awkward in some contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely being

Replaces "exactly" with "precisely", maintaining the emphasis on accuracy.

truly being

Replaces "exactly" with "truly", focusing on the genuine nature of the state.

literally being

Replaces "exactly" with "literally", highlighting the direct or non-metaphorical sense.

actually being

Replaces "exactly" with "actually", emphasizing the reality of the situation.

definitely being

Replaces "exactly" with "definitely", stressing the certainty of the being.

specifically being

Replaces "exactly" with "specifically", focusing on a particular instance or detail.

correctly being

Replaces "exactly" with "correctly", highlighting the accuracy of the state.

accurately being

Replaces "exactly" with "accurately", emphasizing the exactness of the being.

veritably being

Replaces "exactly" with "veritably", which provides a more formal tone.

in reality being

Adds "in reality" to express that the situation is as it appears.

FAQs

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

You can use "exactly being" to emphasize a precise state or condition, such as "The report also implied that Rumsfeld wasn't "exactly being" honest."

What does "exactly being" mean?

"Exactly being" means describing something with precision or accuracy. It's often used to qualify or refine a statement, suggesting something is not quite as it seems or is understood.

What are some alternatives to "exactly being"?

Alternatives include "precisely being", "truly being", or "actually being". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "exactly being" formal or informal?

"Exactly being" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. While understandable, it's often replaced with more direct language in formal contexts. In academic or business writing, aim for precision through stronger verbs or adjectives.