exactly when

USAGE SUMMARY

"exactly when" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to specify a specific time or moment in a sentence. Example: "I will meet you at the coffee shop at 3:00 PM, exactly when I finish my meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Nobody is sure exactly when).

The New Yorker

They know exactly when that moment is.

The New York Times - Sports

Exactly when it formed is unclear.

The Economist

I just don't know exactly when.

Independent

Exactly when it was stolen is unclear.

The New York Times

I don't know exactly when it happened.

The New York Times - Sports

files -- exactly when we need them.

The New York Times

It's unclear exactly when DSAS became capitalised.

The Guardian - Music

Exactly when is being hotly debated.

The New York Times

He knew exactly when her heart stopped.

The New York Times

And that's exactly when we stopped listening.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exactly when" to eliminate ambiguity about timing in your writing. Being precise avoids confusion.

Common error

While "exactly when" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "at which specific time" in academic or professional contexts to enhance the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly when" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the precise time an action occurs. As Ludwig AI states, it is a correct and usable phrase, and the numerous examples confirm its frequent use in providing specific timing information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exactly when" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase employed to pinpoint a specific time. As Ludwig AI confirms, its role is to provide clarity and precision in specifying when something occurs. While suitable for various contexts, from news and academia to casual conversation, writers should be mindful of formality and consider alternatives like "precisely when" in more formal settings. The phrase's high frequency and presence across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscore its widespread acceptance. Remember to use "exactly when" to remove any ambiguity regarding timing in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely when

Replaces "exactly" with a synonym, maintaining the same level of specificity.

at what exact time

Adds a bit more formality and explicitness, emphasizing the specific time.

the precise moment when

Highlights the moment in time as being particularly important.

at which specific time

Formal phrasing, emphasizes specific point in time.

the instant that

Implies immediacy and a short duration.

the very second that

Emphasizes immediacy and suddenness.

right when

More informal and conversational.

the moment

Shorter and less specific, but similar in meaning.

the time that

Generic phrasing, time not necessarily exact.

at the point

More indirect and can refer to a stage rather than a moment.

FAQs

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

Use "exactly when" to specify a precise moment or time something occurs. For example: "I need to know "exactly when" the meeting starts."

What are some alternatives to "exactly when"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "precisely when", "at what exact time", or "the precise moment when".

Is it appropriate to use "exactly when" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "exactly when" might be considered less formal. In academic or professional contexts, consider using alternatives such as "at which specific time".

What's the difference between "exactly when" and "at what time"?

"Exactly when" implies a higher degree of precision compared to the more general question "at what time". Use "exactly when" when the specific timing is critical.