exactly in line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly in line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is perfectly aligned or in agreement with a standard, expectation, or requirement. Example: "The project outcomes were exactly in line with our initial goals, demonstrating our team's effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Exactly in line with what we said 12 years ago.

The Guardian - Business

It was exactly in line with economists' expectations.

The Guardian - Business

Even if the guidance is exactly in line with what the markets thought before.

BBC

He, too, confesses the whole plot to Garrison, exactly in line with Ferrie.

The Guardian - Film

S&N has performed exactly in line with the market since inclusion.

The Guardian - Business

The contract is worth £200m per annum for 10 years, exactly in line with our expectations.

The Guardian - Business

However, it was exactly in line with the changes in women's roles that were taking place in Italian society.

Columbia University

"I think he's exactly in line," Mr. Ford said after the meeting, "with where society wants us to go".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The theory predicts that the mean (time-invariant) position of the flexible body varies with the cylinder lift forces and the free-stream dynamic pressure, except when it is exactly in-line with the rigid cylinder.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The mathematical model predicts that the mean (time-invariant) position of the vibrating body varies with the free-stream dynamic pressure and the lift forces except when the downstream rigid cylinder is exactly in-line.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The company recorded $3.5 billion in sales, a figure that's up from $3.4 billion in the year-ago quarter and exactly in-line with the analyst consensus.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exactly in line" to convey a precise match or agreement between two or more things. For example, "The actual results were exactly in line with the projected forecast."

Common error

Avoid using "exactly in line" when the alignment or agreement is not precise or clear. Instead, opt for phrases like "generally consistent" or "broadly similar" when describing approximate relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly in line" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverbial phrase. Ludwig's examples show it often describes how closely something matches a standard, expectation, or prediction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

18%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exactly in line" is a versatile expression used to denote precise agreement or alignment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. While the phrase is appropriate for many situations, writers should ensure that its use reflects a truly precise match rather than a general similarity. Related phrases such as "perfectly aligned" or "precisely in accordance" can provide nuanced alternatives, depending on the context. Its wide adoption and clear meaning make "exactly in line" a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfectly aligned

Emphasizes a precise physical or conceptual alignment, implying a perfect match.

precisely in accordance

Highlights strict adherence to a set of rules, standards, or expectations.

completely consistent

Indicates a lack of contradiction or variation, stressing uniformity.

in perfect agreement

Focuses on consensus or harmony, particularly in opinions or decisions.

fully compliant

Stresses adherence to regulations or requirements, often in a legal or procedural context.

directly corresponding

Highlights a one-to-one relationship or match between two things.

dead on

An informal expression indicating complete accuracy or correctness.

right on target

Indicates that something is precisely where it needs to be or is perfectly accurate.

spot on

A colloquial expression meaning perfectly accurate or correct.

congruent

Emphasizes that things are symmetrical and fit together well.

FAQs

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

You can use "exactly in line" to describe something that matches perfectly with expectations, standards, or predictions. For instance, "The company's profits were exactly in line with analysts' forecasts."

What are some alternatives to "exactly in line"?

Alternatives include "perfectly aligned", "precisely in accordance", or "completely consistent", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "exactly in line" or "in line with"?

"Exactly in line" implies a precise match, while "in line with" suggests a general agreement or consistency. Use "exactly" when the correspondence is precise and measurable.

What's the difference between "exactly in line" and "consistent with"?

"Exactly in line" indicates a perfect match, whereas "consistent with" implies a degree of agreement or harmony without necessarily being a perfect match.