exactly right

USAGE SUMMARY

"exactly right" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is accurate and precise. For example, "Your measurements are exactly right—this painting will fit perfectly on the wall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Exactly right.

The New York Times - Sports

This is exactly right.

The New Yorker

Everything exactly right.

The New Yorker

"And that's exactly right.

The New York Times

He was exactly right.

The New Yorker

You're exactly right.

The New York Times

She's exactly right.

The New Yorker

All exactly right.

The New York Times

This was exactly right.

The New York Times

Neither is exactly right.

The New Yorker

That is exactly right.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exactly right" in dialogue, consider the tone and relationship between speakers. Its directness can range from supportive to assertive, depending on the context.

Common error

While "exactly right" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or less sophisticated. Vary your language by using synonyms like "precisely correct" or "completely accurate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly right" functions as an adverbial phrase used for emphatic affirmation. It modifies a preceding statement, confirming its accuracy and expressing agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exactly right" serves as a clear and emphatic way to express agreement and confirm accuracy. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral to slightly informal tone makes it versatile for various situations, although more formal synonyms may be preferred in professional or academic settings. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, "exactly right" functions as a concise tool for validation and reinforcement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely correct

Replaces "exactly" with "precisely", emphasizing accuracy but maintaining the same core meaning.

absolutely correct

Emphasizes the correctness with "absolutely", highlighting the certainty of the statement.

completely accurate

Focuses on the accuracy aspect, using "completely" instead of "exactly" to convey thoroughness.

perfectly true

Shifts the focus to truthfulness, implying that something is not only correct but also genuine.

entirely true

Similar to "perfectly true", but uses "entirely" to emphasize the completeness of the truth.

unerringly accurate

Uses more formal and emphatic language to describe accuracy that is without error.

that's spot on

An idiomatic expression that conveys perfect accuracy or understanding in a more informal way.

bang on

A British English idiom synonymous with "spot on", indicating complete accuracy.

you're dead on

Another idiomatic expression, similar to "that's spot on", but specifically directed at someone.

right on the money

Idiomatic expression suggesting a perfect assessment or guess.

FAQs

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

You can use "exactly right" to express agreement or confirmation. For example, "You've identified the problem – exactly right!" or "That's exactly right, the meeting is scheduled for Tuesday."

What are some alternatives to saying "exactly right"?

Instead of "exactly right", you can use phrases like "absolutely correct", "precisely correct", or "that's spot on", depending on the level of formality and the context.

Is "exactly right" formal or informal?

"Exactly right" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain professional settings.

When is it appropriate to use "exactly right" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "exactly right" when you want to clearly and directly confirm something is correct. Be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing, opting for more formal synonyms if necessary to maintain professionalism.