exactly said

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly said" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the precision of someone's words, but it is better to use it in a more natural context. Example: "What he exactly said was that we need to improve our communication."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Exactly!" said Prince Lowenstein.

The New Yorker

"Yes, exactly!" said Ms. Lord.

The New York Times

"Exactly," said Clapper.

The Washington Post

Not exactly, said Spodek.

The Guardian

"Exactly," said Stanley.

The New York Times

Exactly, said a reporter.

The New York Times

Exactly, said conservative Republicans.

The New York Times

"Exactly," said Henrick.

The Guardian - Books

"Yes, I remember exactly," said Sergeant Jauregui.

The New York Times - Arts

Who? Exactly, said Al Zabroski.

The New York Times

"Exactly," said Nadal, who leads their series, 23-14.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "specifically mentioned" or "explicitly stated", especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly said" repeatedly in dialogue tags. It can become monotonous. Vary your sentence structure and use other verbs like "replied", "responded", or even actions to convey who is speaking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly said" functions as a dialogue tag, often used to introduce or emphasize a direct quote. It highlights that the words following the tag are the precise words spoken. However, as Ludwig AI suggests, overuse can make it sound awkward.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exactly said" is a phrase used to emphasize the precision of someone's words, functioning mainly as a dialogue tag. Ludwig AI indicates while grammatically acceptable, it may come across as awkward if overused. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase aims to highlight the accurate reporting of speech. For more formal or sophisticated writing, consider using alternatives like "specifically mentioned" or "precisely stated". Avoiding overuse and varying your sentence structure is key to effectively integrating this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely stated

This alternative emphasizes the accuracy and detail of the original statement.

specifically mentioned

Focuses on the act of pointing something out with particularity.

explicitly stated

Highlights the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the original wording.

articulated clearly

Emphasizes the speaker's ability to express themselves in a way that is easily understood.

detailed verbatim

Implies a word-for-word account of what was spoken.

divulged precisely

Highlights the revealing of information with accuracy.

utter clearly

Highlights the act of speaking plainly and understandably.

worded precisely

Focuses on the particular choice of words used.

mentioned accurately

Emphasizes the correctness of the information shared.

reported verbatim

Indicates a direct and unchanged account of the original statement in reporting.

FAQs

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

Use "exactly said" to emphasize the precise words someone used, especially when clarity is crucial. For example: "The witness reported what the suspect "exactly said": 'I didn't do it'". However, consider alternatives like "specifically mentioned" or "precisely stated" for more formal contexts.

What's a more formal alternative to "exactly said"?

In formal writing, replace "exactly said" with phrases like "explicitly stated", "specifically mentioned", or "articulated clearly". These options convey a higher degree of precision and sophistication.

Is it grammatically correct to use "exactly said"?

While not inherently incorrect, "exactly said" can sound awkward if overused. It's crucial to ensure the context warrants such a specific emphasis on the wording. More common alternatives include simply "said" or using verbs like "replied", "responded", or "stated that".

When should I avoid using "exactly said"?

Avoid "exactly said" in casual conversations or when the precise wording isn't critical. It's better suited for situations where you need to highlight the specific words used, such as in legal documents, news reports, or when quoting someone directly. Consider using less emphatic alternatives like "simply said".