exactly explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to provide a detailed and precise explanation of a topic or concept. Example: "Can you exactly explain how this process works so that I can understand it better?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Chances are you'll find that it doesn't exactly explain itself.

The New Yorker

O∆ allows him that flexibility, to deal with unexpected situations, though he can't exactly explain what it means to him.

The Guardian - Music

This suggests that Tyrone is just a fuzzy manifestation of his id, though that doesn't exactly explain those lightbulbs.

The Guardian

If you haven't read the Constitution lately, Lepore advises that you do so: it's a surprising read that "doesn't exactly explain itself".

The New Yorker

Reiss can't exactly explain why her ordinarily careful routine of checking and rechecking fell by the wayside; it's just that routines inevitably do.

The New York Times - Magazine

The filmmakers don't exactly explain how the other slaves on the farm -- who must have noticed what was happening in the big house -- didn't spill the beans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

So what, exactly, explains the national distemper?

The New York Times

So what exactly explains the stall?

The New York Times

What happened: The reasons for lumping this bunch together were never exactly explained by whoever the architects were.

The Guardian - Music

None of this exactly explains why the show is so unutterably boring, but it may suggest why no one at ITV seems to have minded very much.

Independent

Nonsense, said Professor Dawkins, science exactly explains the movement of tectonic plates, and could indeed have warned the poor victims of impending disaster.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exactly explain", ensure you are seeking a precise and unambiguous answer, not a general overview. For instance, ask someone to "exactly explain" a complex technical process to ensure complete understanding.

Common error

While "exactly explain" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "explain" or "tell me about" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly explain" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to request a detailed and precise explanation. Ludwig AI shows it's commonly used to seek clarification or comprehensive understanding of a subject.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2.5%

Wiki

2.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exactly explain" is used to request a detailed and precise explanation of something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using "exactly explain", ensure you're seeking a comprehensive and unambiguous answer, but be mindful of its formality in casual settings. More casual alternatives such as "explain" or "tell me about" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide a precise explanation of

Emphasizes accuracy and detail.

precisely articulate

Emphasizes clarity and detail in the explanation.

clearly elucidate

Focuses on making the explanation easy to understand.

offer a comprehensive account

Focuses on completeness and thoroughness in the explanation.

thoroughly clarify

Suggests a comprehensive and exhaustive explanation.

accurately define

Highlights the correctness and precision of the explanation.

explicitly delineate

Implies a clear and detailed outlining of the explanation.

spell out in detail

Indicates a very detailed and step-by-step explanation.

break down completely

Suggests simplifying a complex topic into smaller, understandable parts.

give a full account of

Focuses on providing a complete and detailed description.

FAQs

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

You can use "exactly explain" when you want someone to provide a detailed and precise explanation. For example, "Can you exactly explain the procedure?"

What's a more casual way to ask someone to "exactly explain" something?

In informal settings, you could use phrases like "explain" or "tell me about" instead of "exactly explain". These alternatives are less formal and more conversational.

Is there a difference between "exactly explain" and "clearly explain"?

"Exactly explain" implies a need for precise detail, while "clearly explain" focuses on understandability. The choice depends on whether you need precision or clarity.

What are some synonyms for "exactly explain" that I can use in formal writing?

In formal writing, consider using synonyms such as "precisely articulate", "clearly elucidate", or "thoroughly clarify" for a more sophisticated tone.