exactly the opposite

USAGE SUMMARY

'exactly the opposite' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is the complete opposite of something else. For example: "His behavior was exactly the opposite of what we had expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Exactly the opposite.

The New York Times

It's exactly the opposite.

The New York Times

Exactly the opposite was done".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I feel exactly the opposite.

The New York Times

"This is exactly the opposite".

The New York Times

I was exactly the opposite".

The New York Times

Now its exactly the opposite.

The New York Times

It was exactly the opposite.

The New Yorker

Exactly the opposite is true.

The New York Times

It is exactly the opposite.

MIT Technology Review

We did exactly the opposite.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exactly the opposite" to create a strong contrast. This phrase emphasizes a complete reversal or contradiction, making your point clear and impactful. For example, instead of saying "It wasn't what I expected", you can say "It was exactly the opposite" to convey a stronger sense of surprise or difference.

Common error

Avoid overusing "exactly the opposite" in contexts where a slight difference is intended. This phrase implies a complete reversal, and using it for minor discrepancies can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly the opposite" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase to emphasize complete negation or reversal of a preceding statement or expectation. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in contrasting viewpoints or outcomes. The phrase serves to highlight a situation that is entirely different from what was anticipated or stated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exactly the opposite" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for emphasizing a complete reversal or contrast. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While it is crucial to avoid overuse and ensure the context justifies such a strong contrast, "exactly the opposite" remains a powerful tool for creating emphasis and clarity. Related phrases such as "quite the opposite" and "precisely the contrary" can offer subtle variations in tone, but maintain the core meaning. This phrase is your go-to for pointing out stark differences!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite the opposite

Implies a complete reversal, similar to the original phrase, but with a slightly less emphatic tone.

just the opposite

A more concise way of expressing the same idea, suitable for informal contexts.

precisely the contrary

Uses a more formal tone, emphasizing the exact nature of the reversal.

entirely the reverse

Highlights the complete and total nature of the opposition.

completely the other way around

Uses a more descriptive and less direct way to indicate a reversal.

the very antithesis

Emphasizes that something is the direct opposite in nature or character.

diametrically opposed

Highlights that two things are as different from each other as possible.

at opposite extremes

Indicates the greatest possible difference or contrast.

in stark contrast

Emphasizes the noticeable and significant difference.

a complete turnaround

Highlights the act of reversing direction or opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "exactly the opposite" in a sentence?

You can use "exactly the opposite" to indicate a complete reversal of a situation, idea, or expectation. For instance, "I thought the movie would be boring, but it was "exactly the opposite"; it was very engaging."

What's the difference between "exactly the opposite" and "quite the opposite"?

"Exactly the opposite" emphasizes a complete and total reversal, while "quite the opposite" suggests a similar reversal but can sometimes imply a slightly lesser degree of contrast. The choice depends on how strong you want the contrast to be.

What are some alternatives to "exactly the opposite" for formal writing?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "precisely the contrary", "entirely the reverse", or "in stark contrast" to maintain a professional tone while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it ever incorrect to use "exactly the opposite"?

While grammatically correct, using "exactly the opposite" can be inappropriate if the situation doesn't warrant a complete reversal. For example, if something is only slightly different, saying it's ""exactly the opposite"" would be an overstatement. Ensure the context justifies such a strong contrast.