exactly looking for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly looking for" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to express a specific search or desire, but it is awkwardly constructed. Example: "I am not exactly looking for a new job, but I am open to opportunities."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Cairns was not exactly looking for revenge, either.

The New York Times - Sports

And Mr. Bush and his vice president, Dick Cheney, were not exactly looking for alternative explanations, as Mr. Hadley indicated.

The New York Times

The two have barely spoken, and Malisse is not exactly looking for her in the players' lounge at the Open.

The New York Times - Sports

Tom O'Riordan isn't exactly looking for another position, but he keeps a toehold in the job market.

The New York Times

With our adopted children keeping us busy, we hadn't been exactly looking for anything to add to our already-full plate.

The Washington Post

If this is a Lee Child novel, of course you would — because you recognize Jack Reacher, his vigilante hero who's always on the road, not exactly looking for trouble but never surprised to find it.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

On Tuesday, other residents were coming to terms with a kind of celebrity they had not exactly been looking for.

The Guardian

But what exactly are they looking for?

The New York Times

So what exactly is Mueller looking for?

The Washington Post

But what exactly is Mr. Michaels looking for?

The New York Times - Arts

What, exactly, are you looking for?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for formal tone, replace "exactly looking for" with more precise alternatives such as "specifically seeking" or "precisely searching for". These alternatives enhance clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly" as a mere intensifier with "looking for". Overusing intensifiers weakens your writing. Instead, focus on choosing a verb that accurately reflects the nature of the search, such as "seeking" or "searching specifically".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly looking for" functions as a modifier, aiming to add emphasis to the act of searching. However, according to Ludwig AI, this construction is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. While it appears in some contexts, more precise alternatives are recommended.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "exactly looking for" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI indicates that it's not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. Its communicative purpose is to emphasize a focused search, but this can be more effectively conveyed through alternatives like "specifically seeking" or "precisely searching for". The phrase tends to occur in informal contexts, particularly in News & Media, and is best avoided in formal writing. When choosing your wording, prioritize grammatical correctness and clarity to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specifically seeking

Highlights the intention to find something particular, with a deliberate and focused approach.

searching in particular for

Highlights the item being searched for with a specific focus.

precisely searching for

Emphasizes the accuracy and specificity of the search, focusing on finding an exact match.

intentionally seeking

Highlights the deliberate nature of the search, indicating a planned and purposeful effort.

expressly searching for

Underscores the explicitness and clarity of the search, leaving no room for ambiguity.

actively seeking

Focuses on the proactive nature of the search, indicating ongoing and vigorous efforts.

definitely seeking

Stresses the certainty and determination behind the search, indicating a strong desire to find something.

clearly searching for

Implies that the intention behind the search is obvious and easily understood by others.

actually looking for

Adds an element of surprise or revelation, emphasizing the true object of the search.

really looking for

Emphasizes the genuineness and sincerity of the search, indicating a true desire to find something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "exactly looking for" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, replace "exactly looking for" with phrases like "specifically seeking", "precisely searching for", or "expressly searching for". These options provide greater clarity and grammatical correctness.

Is "exactly looking for" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "exactly looking for" is not correct in standard written English. It's recommended to use more precise and grammatically sound alternatives for clear communication.

What's a simple way to correct the phrase "exactly looking for"?

A simple correction involves removing "exactly" or replacing "looking for" with a more suitable verb. For example, "specifically searching" or "clearly seeking" are more grammatically correct.

When is it appropriate to use "exactly looking for"?

While not grammatically ideal, "exactly looking for" might be acceptable in very informal contexts or casual conversation. However, it is best to avoid this phrase in formal writing or professional communication.