exactly sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'exactly sure' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize a sense of certainty about something or to make clear that you are absolutely certain about something. Example: "I'm not exactly sure what time the meeting starts, but I know it's sometime in the afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm not exactly sure.

The New York Times

Cardiologists aren't exactly sure.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is not exactly sure.

The New York Times

I am not exactly sure.

Yale University

"I'm not exactly sure why".

The New York Times - Arts

"We're not exactly sure what happened".

The New York Times

Even now, I'm not exactly sure what.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm not exactly sure," the surgeon said.

The New York Times - Health

Of what, though, no one's exactly sure.

The Guardian - Opinion

But I'm not exactly sure that's right".

The New York Times

Chances are no one is exactly sure.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exactly sure" when you want to express a degree of confidence that falls short of absolute certainty. It implies a reasonable level of assurance without overstating your knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly sure" when you have significant doubts or lack substantial evidence. Opt for phrases that convey more uncertainty, such as "not entirely sure" or "somewhat uncertain" to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly sure" functions as a qualifier, modifying verbs such as 'to be' or 'to know' to express a degree of certainty that is less than absolute. This usage aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable. The examples in Ludwig showcase its use in expressing a nuanced level of assurance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

31%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exactly sure" is a commonly used phrase to express a qualified certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting well in various contexts from news and media to academic discussions. The phrase's frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources indicate its reliability. While it conveys a level of confidence, it is crucial to avoid overstating one's knowledge and to use alternative expressions when significant doubts exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely certain

Indicates a state of absolute certainty, differing in intensity from "exactly sure".

absolutely certain

Implies a very high level of confidence, more emphatic than "exactly sure".

entirely sure

Similar to "completely certain", suggesting a total lack of doubt, while "exactly sure" is more nuanced.

positive about

Expresses confidence in a statement or fact, differing slightly from "exactly sure" which focuses on precision.

without a doubt

Expresses absolute certainty, a stronger affirmation than "exactly sure".

definitely know

Emphasizes knowing something without any doubt, unlike "exactly sure" which can imply less certainty.

fully aware

Highlights complete awareness of a situation or fact, while "exactly sure" concerns precise knowledge.

precisely clear

Indicates something is very clear and well-defined, more focused on clarity than "exactly sure" which is about certainty.

cannot say for certain

Expresses a lack of certainty, opposite to "exactly sure" which implies some level of certainty.

not completely certain

Indicates some level of uncertainty or doubt, a weaker statement than being "exactly sure".

FAQs

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

You can use "exactly sure" to express a qualified certainty, as in "I'm not "exactly sure" what time the event starts, but it's around 7 PM".

What are some alternatives to "exactly sure"?

Alternatives include phrases like "completely certain", "absolutely certain", or "entirely sure", depending on the level of certainty you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "exactly sure" or "absolutely sure"?

"Exactly sure" implies a precise but potentially limited certainty, while "absolutely sure" indicates complete and unwavering confidence. The choice depends on the context and the degree of certainty you want to express.

What's the difference between "exactly sure" and "pretty sure"?

"Exactly sure" suggests a higher level of confidence than "pretty sure", which implies a reasonable belief but allows for a greater possibility of being incorrect.