exactly saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly saying" is not standard 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 are you exactly saying about the project timeline?"

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Now, Hume isn't exactly saying what Oprah is saying here.

Yale University

That's not exactly saying a lot, is it?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And Stone isn't exactly saying that he speaks with Trump daily or even weekly.

The Washington Post

"I don't think at this stage we should be pausing until we get the facts". That's not exactly saying no.

The Washington Post

Without exactly saying it, Mr. Unruh made it plain that he was referring to Republican Gov. Ronald.

The New York Times

But he speculated — without exactly saying so — that Mr. bin Laden must be on the Pakistan side of the border.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Exactly!" said Prince Lowenstein.

The New Yorker

"Exactly," says Farber.

Independent

"Yes, exactly!" said Ms. Lord.

The New York Times

He doesn't exactly say.

The New York Times

She couldn't exactly say.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you use the phrase consider if a more standard phrasing like 'clearly stating' or 'explicitly saying' would enhance clarity and conciseness.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly saying" in formal writing where a more precise term like 'stating explicitly' or 'articulating clearly' would be more appropriate. Using "exactly saying" too frequently can make your writing sound informal or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly saying" functions as an adverb-verb combination, modifying the action of speaking. It highlights the speaker's focus on the specific wording or phrasing being used. Ludwig examples show it's used to question or seek clarification on what is being communicated. Ludwig AI highlights that it may sound awkward.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exactly saying" is an uncommon adverb-verb combination used to emphasize the specific words used in a statement. While grammatically acceptable, it may be perceived as slightly awkward and is best used in informal contexts or when clarification of precise wording is crucial. Ludwig examples show its usage across news, academic, and scientific domains, and Ludwig AI recommends considering more standard alternatives like 'clearly expressing' or 'explicitly stating' for formal writing. The authoritative sources and the frequency of use suggest caution in its application, favoring more precise language in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely stating

Emphasizes accuracy and detail in the statement.

clearly expressing

Focuses on the clarity and comprehensibility of the message.

explicitly stating

Highlights that the statement is direct and unambiguous.

verbatim

Indicates the exact words used, without interpretation.

literally saying

Stresses that the statement should be taken at face value.

articulating precisely

Focuses on the manner and clarity of expression.

specifying accurately

Highlights the accuracy and level of detail in the information provided.

putting it exactly

Emphasizes the specific wording chosen.

defining precisely

Focuses on providing a clear and unambiguous definition.

expressing directly

Highlights the straightforwardness of the statement.

FAQs

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

Use "exactly saying" when you want to focus on the specific words someone is using, often to seek clarification or challenge an interpretation. Example: "What are you "exactly saying" about the budget cuts?"

What can I say instead of "exactly saying"?

You can use alternatives like "precisely stating", "clearly expressing", or "explicitly stating" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "exactly saying" or "precisely stating"?

"Precisely stating" is grammatically more standard and formal. "Exactly saying" is acceptable in informal contexts where you want to emphasize the specific words used. Consider the tone and audience when choosing between them.

What's the difference between "exactly saying" and "literally saying"?

"Literally saying" emphasizes that the words should be taken at their face value, while "exactly saying" focuses on the precise wording used, often to question or clarify meaning. The best choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the words' intended meaning or their specific formulation.