exactly deny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly deny" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used when you want to emphasize a complete or precise denial of something, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "He did not just deny the allegations; he exactly denied every single claim made against him."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But he doesn't exactly deny it either.

The New York Times - Books

Mr Osborne did not exactly deny it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The president didn't exactly deny the right to free expression.

The Economist

Sanchez did not exactly deny the perceived lack of firepower with Holmes's condition now unclear.

The New York Times - Sports

Beth DeFalco, an M.T.A. spokeswoman, did not exactly deny the second part of this statement.

The New York Times

He does not exactly deny the charge that his city is out of kilter with mainstream America.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"Stories get twisted," Bush said without exactly denying it.

The New York Times - Sports

This is according to Avery, was caught on video and Simmonds wasn't exactly denying it.

The New York Times - Sports

There is the sense that another shoe will drop, which Checketts and Van Gundy haven't exactly denied to the public and players.

The New York Times - Sports

He no longer exactly denied the existence of gay men and women in Iran, as he once had, but now, he said, "In Iran, homosexuality is looked down upon as an ugly deed.

The New Yorker

One paper, the Mail on Sunday, recently published a letter from an unnamed corporal in the Royal Signals Regiment, who wrote, "I am feeling very isolated and abandoned by my country". The newspapers have also reported equipment deficiencies and supply shortages, including of toilet paper, accounts that military leaders have sharply derided if not exactly denied.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "categorically deny" or "outright deny" as more common and emphatic alternatives to "exactly deny" in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "exactly deny" in your writing. While grammatically sound, it may sound awkward or unnatural. Opt for stronger and more common alternatives to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly deny" functions as a verb phrase where "exactly" modifies the verb "deny". It aims to emphasize the thoroughness of the denial.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "exactly deny" is grammatically sound, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not a common expression and may sound somewhat awkward. More common and emphatic alternatives, such as "categorically deny" or "outright deny", are generally preferred for clearer and more impactful communication. It's crucial to consider the context and desired level of emphasis when choosing the most appropriate phrasing for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

categorically deny

Emphasizes a strong and unambiguous denial.

outright deny

Suggests a direct and complete rejection.

expressly deny

Implies a clear and explicit denial, leaving no room for ambiguity.

flatly deny

Conveys a firm and unwavering denial.

vehemently deny

Indicates a denial made with strong emotion or conviction.

explicitly refute

Focuses on disproving something in a clear and detailed way.

totally reject

Indicates a complete refusal to accept something.

absolutely negate

Highlights a complete nullification of something.

unequivocally disclaim

Suggests a clear and unambiguous rejection of responsibility or association.

completely repudiate

Implies a formal and strong rejection of something, often a belief or association.

FAQs

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

While grammatically correct, "exactly deny" is not a common phrase. You might say, "He didn't just deny the allegations; he exactly denied every single claim made against him."

What can I say instead of "exactly deny"?

You can use alternatives like "categorically deny", "outright deny", or "expressly deny", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "exactly deny" or "categorically deny"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "categorically deny" is more common and generally preferred for its emphasis and clarity.

What's the difference between "exactly deny" and "expressly deny"?

"Exactly deny" emphasizes precision in the denial, while "expressly deny" highlights that the denial is clear and explicit. Expressly deny is generally more suitable for formal contexts.