exactly saying that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly saying that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the precise wording or meaning of something that has been stated. Example: "I don't think you are exactly saying that; it seems like you mean something different."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

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

The Washington Post

She wasn't exactly saying that the cost to them was worth it: the point was more that she had realized that politics could be good for her girls.

The New Yorker

Of course, Gibbs wasn't exactly saying that he thought such a meeting was important — which, judging by the measured smile on her face, Jarrett seemed to understand.

The New York Times

No one was exactly saying that you should walk around the house with a gun on your hip, but you couldn't assume that everything was going to be hunky-dory, either.

The New Yorker

The dress goes with the oddity of the terms "grinding" or "cranking" used to in the article to describe camerawork, slyly invoking the double meaning of the slang "crank" for operator without exactly saying that a woman behind a camera is bad-tempered.

Columbia University

Willis wasn't exactly saying that resistance, in the form of mild yet persistent insubordination, was futile – more that it was the boys' own habits of playing up, as much as the unfairness of "the system", that led them to become trapped in low-paid and unfulfilling jobs.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

No, he didn't exactly say that.

The New Yorker

A: I didn't exactly say that.

The New York Times - Science

The zeroth law says that if a and b -- it doesn't exactly say that, but it implies this.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Asked if she was playing well enough to stop a "Serena Slam," Venus replied: "I wouldn't exactly say that's my goal.

The New York Times - Sports

That's probably not the way that the plan will actually read, so I thought it might be useful if I came and told you what it means, even if it doesn't exactly say that".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exactly saying that" to pinpoint a specific statement or wording, especially when clarifying potential misinterpretations or nuances.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly saying that" in casual conversation where simpler alternatives like "saying" or "meaning" suffice. The phrase is best suited for situations requiring precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly saying that" functions as a clarifier or intensifier, emphasizing the precise nature of a statement. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used to highlight what someone truly meant, versus what might be inferred or assumed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exactly saying that" is a useful tool for emphasizing precision in communication. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and serves to clarify or intensify the specific message being conveyed. While not overly common, it appears primarily in News & Media and Academic contexts, making it suitable for professional and formal settings where accuracy is paramount. When composing your content, use "exactly saying that" when you wish to highlight a very specific statement or its implications, and consider alternatives like "precisely stating that" for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely stating that

Emphasizes the accuracy and precision of the statement.

literally saying that

Highlights the literal interpretation of the words spoken.

explicitly stating that

Focuses on the clarity and directness of the statement.

clearly articulating that

Stresses the clarity and expressiveness of the communication.

directly expressing that

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the statement.

unequivocally asserting that

Highlights the firmness and certainty of the declaration.

categorically declaring that

Stresses the absence of conditions or exceptions.

specifically mentioning that

Focuses on the particular detail being referenced.

outright claiming that

Emphasizes the boldness or audacity of the assertion.

expressly communicating that

Highlights the clear and unambiguous conveying of information.

FAQs

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

You can use "exactly saying that" to emphasize the specific words someone used, for example: "The report wasn't "explicitly stating that" the project failed, but it heavily implied it".

What are some alternatives to "exactly saying that"?

Alternatives include "precisely stating that", "literally saying that", or "explicitly stating that" depending on the context.

When should I use "exactly saying that" instead of just "saying that"?

Use "exactly saying that" when you want to draw attention to the precise wording or implication, particularly when there's a need to clarify or emphasize the specific message being conveyed.

Is it correct to use "exactly saying that" in formal writing?

Yes, it's acceptable in formal writing when precision is required. However, ensure that the context warrants the emphasis on the specific wording; otherwise, a simpler alternative might be more appropriate.