is exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is exactly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize precision or to indicate that something is precisely as stated. Example: "The answer to the equation is exactly what I expected it to be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is exactly fine.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is exactly wrong.

The New York Times

This is exactly backward.

The New Yorker

This is exactly right.

The New Yorker

Neither is exactly right.

The New Yorker

That is exactly it.

The New York Times

That is exactly right.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

That is exactly exactly!

The Washington Post

They were exactly him".

The New Yorker

That's exactly correct.

The New Yorker

He was exactly right.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "is exactly" with a synonym such as "is precisely" or "is absolutely" to vary your writing and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "is exactly" too frequently in casual conversation or informal writing. Overusing it can make your language sound overly formal or stilted. In such situations, consider using more relaxed alternatives like "is just right" or "is spot on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is exactly" functions as an intensifier and affirmative, used to emphasize the accuracy, precision, or correctness of a statement. As Ludwig AI suggests, it signifies a high degree of agreement or correspondence. This usage is supported by numerous examples demonstrating its role in confirming the validity of a point or assertion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is exactly" is a versatile expression used to emphasize accuracy, agreement, or precision across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in news, academic, and scientific domains highlight its reliability and appropriateness. While "is exactly" serves to reinforce and clarify, synonyms like "is precisely" or "is absolutely" can offer subtle variations in tone. Remember to consider the level of formality of the context to avoid overuse in casual settings. The phrase maintains a neutral register while providing effective emphasis, making it a valuable tool in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is precisely

Emphasizes accuracy and lack of deviation.

is absolutely

Conveys complete agreement or certainty.

is definitely

Highlights the certainty and lack of doubt.

is completely

Focuses on the thoroughness and entirety of the match.

is entirely

Stresses the completeness and undivided nature of the agreement.

is just

Indicates an accurate or correct state.

is right on

Expresses strong agreement or accuracy in an informal tone.

is spot on

Similar to "is right on" but uses a more idiomatic expression for accuracy.

is on the mark

Indicates hitting the correct point or being accurate.

is on point

Expresses that something is perfectly relevant or accurate.

FAQs

What does "is exactly" mean?

The phrase "is exactly" signifies that something is accurate, precise, or corresponds completely with a given description or expectation. It's used to emphasize a perfect match or agreement.

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

You can use "is exactly" to emphasize a point. For example: "That "is exactly what I mean"" or "The measurement "is exactly right"".

What phrases can I use instead of "is exactly"?

Alternatives to "is exactly" include "is precisely", "is absolutely", or "is completely" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "is exactly" and "is precisely"?

While "is exactly" and "is precisely" are often interchangeable, "is exactly" can sometimes carry a stronger sense of agreement or affirmation, whereas "is precisely" tends to focus more on accuracy and detail.