in exact terms

USAGE SUMMARY

"in exact terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you want to be precise or when you are looking for a specific definition or answer. For example, "Can you explain the new policy to me in exact terms?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

IT'S hard to measure anticipation in exact terms, but even so, it's pretty clear that the resurrection of the Nissan Z-car is generating more buzz than just about anything else on the new-car horizon.

The New York Times

Despite those glowing words, Shetty didn't specific in exact terms how the two companies will work together.

TechCrunch

Although the explicandum cannot be given in exact terms, it should be made as clear as possible by informal explanations and examples..

SEP

The gold wire, which has been wound on a reel as it passes behind the maker, is there applied to the bottom of the silk thread near the spindle and twists itself upwards, being guided by the workmen as high as he can conveniently reach or nearly his own height, upon the thread: but it is impossible to describe in exact terms the curiously dexterous and rapid process of the manipulation.

University of Chicago

This reasoning can be expressed in exact terms of the insertion contribution to the membrane modulus of Gaussian curvature and the role of the latter in determining membrane conformations (Huse and Leibler, 1991; Schwarz and Gompper, 1999).

Cell

Given the inherent uncertainty and probabilistic nature, prognostic quotations should never be stated in exact terms, but rather as ranges (days to weeks, weeks to months, months to years), or as median survival [ 1, 4].

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Well, if it's so few, then what's the problem?" But in the past, Kennedy has theoretically accepted race-conscious measures only as a last resort when all race-neutral alternatives have failed, and even then, the race-based decision has to be made in exacting terms.

Huffington Post

It describes the right in the exact terms of the right-of-way act, and evidently uses those terms with the same meaning they have in the act.

Cornell University

"I'm sure I'm not the only person in this conference hall today who has been given a sheet of A3 paper with a line that shows Isis on one side and the EDL on the other, as if the modern world of extremist political belief could be explained in such exact terms," he said.

The Guardian

Not in those exact terms, but I remember having a glass of wine with my friend and hearing her go on and on about the guy for the thousandth time.

BBC

In more exact terms, when the relay N2 moves closer to BS, i.e., x → 0, the transmit power P1 rises to 0.78Pt (ρ = 0.78), while the transmit power P2 for the relay N2 goes to 0.22Pt.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking clarity, use "in exact terms" to specify that you require a precise and unambiguous explanation. This can be especially useful in technical or legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "in exact terms" in casual conversations; it can sound overly formal. Simpler phrases like "specifically" or "precisely" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in exact terms" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause. It indicates the manner or condition in which something is expressed or defined, emphasizing precision and clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in exact terms" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the need for precision and clarity in explanations or definitions. While grammatically correct and usable, as validated by Ludwig AI, it is best suited for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. When used, it signals a requirement for detailed and unambiguous information. When a less formal tone is appropriate, alternatives like "specifically" or "precisely" can be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in precise language

Focuses on the clarity and accuracy of the language used.

using specific terminology

Emphasizes the use of specialized vocabulary for accuracy.

with meticulous detail

Highlights the thoroughness and attention to detail.

in definite terms

Stresses the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the expression.

expressed unambiguously

Highlights the absence of any possible misinterpretation.

to be perfectly clear

Emphasizes the intention to avoid any confusion.

stated explicitly

Focuses on the direct and overt nature of the statement.

in concrete terms

Highlights the tangibility and practicality of the expression.

in detail

Omits the emphasis on precision, focusing on thoroughness.

with accuracy

Emphasizes the correctness and truthfulness of the statement.

FAQs

What does "in exact terms" mean?

The phrase "in exact terms" means to express something precisely and without any ambiguity. It implies a need for specific details and clear language.

How can I use "in exact terms" in a sentence?

You can use "in exact terms" when you want someone to provide a precise explanation or definition. For example, "Could you explain the procedure "in exact terms"?"

Which is correct, "in exact terms" or "in exacting terms"?

Both phrases exist, but they have different meanings. "In exact terms" refers to precision, while "in exacting terms" refers to demanding or rigorous conditions. In most contexts where precision is needed, "in exact terms" is the correct choice.

What are some alternatives to saying "in exact terms"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in precise terms", "specifically", or "precisely", depending on the level of formality required.