exactly to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate precision or specificity in relation to a direction, goal, or destination. Example: "I need you to explain the process exactly to the team so that everyone understands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"A cardboard fountain speaks exactly to that.

The New York Times

It was built exactly to scale.

The New Yorker

Yet there was nothing exactly to miss.

The New York Times

All went exactly to schedule.

The New Yorker

She felt the race went exactly to plan.

Independent

I don't know how exactly to describe it.

The New York Times - Sports

It's hard to know what exactly to make of this.

The New York Times

It doesn't always go exactly to plan, though.

Independent

It is all going spectacularly wrong and exactly to plan.

Independent

You measure it and cut it exactly to length.

The New York Times

The division corresponded exactly to the Victorian class system.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exactly to" to indicate a precise correspondence or alignment, particularly when specifying a target, plan, or measurement. For instance, "The model was built "exactly to" the specifications provided."

Common error

Avoid using "exactly to" when the context doesn't require precision. Using phrases like "similar to" or "close to" may be more appropriate when absolute accuracy isn't the focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly to" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a precise degree of accuracy or correspondence. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in contexts requiring strict alignment or conformity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exactly to" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to denote a high degree of precision or correspondence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across various fields, including science, news, and formal communication. While it's essential for contexts demanding accuracy, it should be avoided in situations where approximation is sufficient. Remember to consider context to ensure proper application and maintain clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely matching

Focuses on an accurate match but omits directional aspect.

corresponding perfectly with

Emphasizes alignment and agreement but uses more words.

in exact alignment with

Highlights precise positioning and agreement, often more formal.

perfectly in line with

Implies agreement or conformity, with a slightly broader application.

directly proportional to

Used primarily in mathematical or scientific contexts.

squarely with

Emphasizes directness and can indicate confronting something head-on.

true to

Focuses on faithfulness and adherence, less about exactness.

consistent with

Emphasizes uniformity and predictability, rather than precision.

matching up with

Casual and informal, highlights correspondence or agreement.

conforming to

Stresses compliance and adherence to a standard or norm.

FAQs

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

Use "exactly to" to indicate a precise correspondence or alignment. For example, "The copy must match the original "exactly to" the letter".

What are some alternatives to "exactly to"?

You can use alternatives like "precisely to", "accurately to", or "perfectly in line with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "exactly to"?

Yes, "exactly to" is grammatically correct and commonly used to denote precision or strict adherence.

What is the difference between "exactly to" and "similar to"?

"Exactly to" implies a precise match, while "similar to" indicates resemblance without complete accuracy. Use "exactly to" when precision is crucial; otherwise, "similar to" is more appropriate.