exactly so that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly so that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a precise condition or purpose for an action. Example: "She adjusted the settings exactly so that the machine would operate at optimal efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

LUCY - Exactly, so that really annoys me.

BBC

Consequently, the transition from track to track must be planned exactly, so that the target track is achieved precisely.

Biosystems Engineering

We changed our habits exactly so that our family could live in peace," he says, swiftly correcting himself: "Apparent peace". Others are less forthcoming.

The Guardian

"What he wants," Mr. Delbanco writes of Karl as he works on a painting, "is just to get it right, to render it exactly, so that years from now a man may say, standing in front of this portrait, yes, that it what it looked like, that's the way it was".

The New York Times - Books

Their long curved bills fit the tube-like flowers exactly, so that the pollen-presenter brushes against the spinebill's head while it is probing for nectar.

Wikipedia

Seaborg expected the eighth period to follow the previously established pattern exactly, so that it would include a two-element s-block for elements 119 and 120, a new g-block for the next 18 elements, and 30 additional elements continuing the current f-, d-, and p-blocks.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Exactly, so in that context, prisons are a factory for radicalization.

Huffington Post

S1: Exactly, so … that's not bad.

BMC Medical Education

KARIM LAKHANI: Exactly, and so that's the first place.

Harvard Business Review

"Gregory used exactly 10 colors, so that makes it easier," he said.

The New York Times

LEYLA ISIK: Yeah, exactly, so now Facebook and that's actually, even more specifically, a computer-vision application.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exactly so that", ensure the precision you're emphasizing is crucial to the intended outcome; otherwise, a simpler construction like "so that" may suffice.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "exactly so that" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "so" or "so that" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly so that" functions as a subordinating conjunction introducing a clause that expresses the purpose or result of the action described in the main clause. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Wiki

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exactly so that" is a grammatically correct conjunction used to emphasize the precise condition or purpose behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is employed to highlight the importance of accuracy in achieving a specific outcome. While the phrase appears in diverse contexts, it is most commonly found in news, scientific, and wiki sources. When writing, consider whether the emphasis on precision is necessary; if not, a simpler construction like "so that" may suffice. Despite its correctness, overuse in informal settings might sound stilted, according to our analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely so that

Replaces "exactly" with "precisely", emphasizing accuracy.

specifically so that

Substitutes "exactly" with "specifically", highlighting a particular reason.

just so that

Uses "just" instead of "exactly", implying a sufficient condition.

precisely in order that

Rephrases using "in order that" for a slightly more formal tone.

expressly so that

Replaces "exactly" with "expressly", emphasizing a clear and direct intention.

completely so that

Emphasizes the completeness of the action leading to a result.

correctly so that

Focuses on the accuracy needed for a specific outcome.

accurately so that

Stresses the need for precision to achieve a particular result.

in such a way that

Indicates that an action is performed to cause a particular outcome.

with the explicit intention that

Highlights the clear and intentional nature of the action.

FAQs

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

"Exactly so that" is used to emphasize precision or a specific condition for an action's intended outcome. For example, "He calibrated the instrument exactly so that the measurements would be accurate."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "exactly so that"?

Alternatives include "precisely so that", "specifically so that", or "just so that", depending on the desired nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "exactly so that" in writing?

Use "exactly so that" when you want to highlight the need for accuracy or a specific condition. It's most suitable in formal writing, technical manuals, or instructions where precision is critical.

Is there a difference between "exactly so that" and "so that"?

"Exactly so that" emphasizes the precision required to achieve the desired result, while "so that" simply indicates purpose. The inclusion of "exactly" adds a layer of specificity and importance to the condition.