exactly where

USAGE SUMMARY

'exactly where' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a specific place or location. Example sentence: I need to know exactly where I left my keys.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exactly where is flood zone.

The New York Times

I don't remember exactly where".

The New Yorker

But exactly where is the circularity?

The New York Times

You end up exactly where you started.

Independent

That is exactly where the club is.

Independent

"Nobody knows exactly where she's at.

The New York Times

That's exactly where I am now.

The New Yorker

"We know exactly where to search.

The New York Times

"He knows exactly where to spot me".

The New York Times

I knew exactly where I was.

The New York Times - Travel

That is exactly where Berlin is now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exactly where" to provide clarity and precision when discussing locations or positions. This can help avoid ambiguity and ensure your audience understands the specific place you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly where" when a more general location is sufficient. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or even pedantic when a simpler phrase would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly where" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify a location with precision. It emphasizes the need for accuracy in identifying a place, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exactly where" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that pinpoints locations with precision. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and offers numerous examples spanning various sources. While versatile, it's most common in "News & Media" and "Academia". When writing, leverage "exactly where" to enhance clarity in geographical or positional contexts, but avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler wording suffices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the specific location

Adds clarity and focus to the place in question.

actual location

Underscores the reality or truth of the location.

precise location

Focuses on the accuracy of the location.

exact position

Emphasizes the coordinates or placement.

specific spot

Highlights a particular point or area.

the very place

Stresses the significance of a particular location.

pinpoint the site

The verb "pinpoint" suggests to identify the location on a map.

the definite area

Indicates the location with finality or certainty.

determine the spot

Suggests an action to discover the location

point of incidence

Highlights place where two things touch each other

FAQs

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

Use "exactly where" to specify a precise location. For example, "Do you know exactly where the meeting will be held?"

What phrases are similar to "exactly where"?

Alternatives include "precise location", "specific spot", or "exact position", depending on the context.

When is it best to use "exactly where" over a simpler phrase?

Use "exactly where" when precision is crucial and you want to emphasize the specific location. If the general vicinity is enough, a simpler phrase might be better.

Is "exactly where" formal or informal?

"Exactly where" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider your audience. In very casual settings, a phrase like "the spot" might be more appropriate.