exactly state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly state" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when you want someone to provide a precise or clear statement about something. Example: "Please exactly state your requirements for the project so we can proceed without any confusion."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

And yet there were some significant distinctions -- often buried in quick asides meant to hint, but never exactly state, how each man might run the country differently from the other.

The New York Times

A declaration every year by the head of the civil service would list all contracts and consultancies, cost them exactly, state their purpose and disclose overspends, delays and systems failures.

The Guardian - Opinion

A gift from his parents, the Weltron 2001 was not exactly state of the art, housing nothing more than an AM/FM radio and an eight-track-tape player.

The New York Times

The air in sections of some casinos — especially the older ones, where the ventilation systems are not exactly state of the art — is a swirl of cigarette smoke, leaving a distinctive odor on the clothes of anyone who happens to stroll through the place.

The New York Times

(Apparently he didn't exactly state this.

Science Magazine

VGA out isn't exactly state of the art, but it will put an image into a projector.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

You must be the leader, without exactly stating you're the leader.

WikiHow

A sentence like "The world faded away, drained of all color but him" exactly states how the character feels without explicitly saying it.

WikiHow

That is exactly what state officials are hoping.

The New York Times

It was exactly that state of ruination, pleading for redemption, that appealed to my grandmother.

The New York Times

It is not exactly a state secret that Texas is tough on crime.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exactly state", ensure the context requires a high degree of precision and clarity. In less formal situations, consider alternatives like "clearly specify" or "explain precisely."

Common error

Avoid using "exactly state" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even unnatural. Opt for simpler phrases like "say clearly" or "explain properly" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly state" functions as a directive, typically used to request or demand precise and unambiguous information. Ludwig AI examples show it in contexts where clarity and accuracy are paramount, aligning with its primary function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exactly state" is a grammatically acceptable, although not always the most elegant, way to ask for precise information. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage is relatively uncommon and tends to appear in formal contexts like news and scientific publications. While alternatives like ""clearly specify"" or ""precisely articulate"" might be preferable in many situations, "exactly state" serves its purpose when absolute clarity is essential. Remember to consider your audience and the level of formality required when choosing whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly specify

Focuses on removing ambiguity in the information provided.

precisely articulate

Emphasizes skillful and exact expression.

explicitly mention

Highlights bringing something to full and clear expression or disclosure.

expressly declare

Stresses the act of stating something definitively and intentionally.

specifically indicate

Directs attention to pointing something out with precision.

clearly stipulate

Highlights including particular demands or specifications in an agreement or law.

unequivocally assert

Emphasizes stating something in a way that leaves no doubt.

define precisely

Focuses on providing an exact definition or explanation.

pinpoint accurately

Suggests identifying something with great accuracy.

state without ambiguity

Emphasizes the removal of any potential misunderstanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "exactly state" when you need someone to provide specific and unambiguous information. For instance, "Please "exactly state" your requirements for the project."

What can I say instead of "exactly state"?

Alternatives include "clearly specify", "precisely articulate", or "explicitly mention" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "exactly state"?

It's appropriate in formal settings or when precision is critical, such as in legal documents, technical specifications, or formal requests. Avoid it in casual conversations.

Is there a difference between "exactly state" and "clearly state"?

While both emphasize clarity, ""exactly state"" implies a demand for absolute precision, whereas "clearly state" focuses more on comprehensibility. The choice depends on the degree of precision required.