is exactly that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is exactly that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is the same as what you initially specified. For example, "I'm looking for a computer with the latest specs and the one I found on sale is exactly that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Creating mechanisms is exactly that: a creative act.

Harvard Business Review

Counseling against vaccination is exactly that kind of misconduct.

The Washington Post

The French parade is exactly that: a national tradition.

The New Yorker

The great success of a place like the United States is exactly that multiculturalism.

Princeton University

The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) is exactly that statute.

Stanford University

Because public service is exactly that: it's a service to the public".

The New York Times

It is exactly that: sponge cake with some plums in it.

Independent

Insigne is exactly that, which is why he is so loved.

Independent

"The whole issue," he said, "is exactly that: getting enough calories.

The New York Times - Sports

The relationship between critic and reader is exactly that: a relationship, between two people.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Absolutely," says David. "Puppy play is exactly that – play.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is exactly that" to reinforce a definition or explanation, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing. This phrase can effectively eliminate ambiguity by directly confirming the nature of something.

Common error

Avoid using "is exactly that" in overly simple sentences where it adds unnecessary length without contributing to clarity or emphasis. Shorter, more direct phrasing often improves readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is exactly that" functions as an equative expression, asserting that something is identical to what has just been described. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts. It serves to reinforce and clarify a preceding statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is exactly that" is a versatile expression used to confirm or emphasize that something precisely matches a previous description. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains, notably in News & Media and Academia. While it’s a valuable tool for ensuring clarity, it should be used judiciously to avoid redundancy in simpler sentences. Remember the alternative phrases, such as "is precisely that" or "is just that", to diversify your writing. The phrase serves as a robust tool for emphasis, making it a reliable choice when precision is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is precisely that

Replaces "exactly" with "precisely", offering a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the same core meaning of exactness.

is indeed that

Uses "indeed" to confirm or acknowledge the validity of the preceding statement, similar to "exactly".

is in fact that

Adds "in fact" to emphasize the truth or reality of the statement.

is just that

Uses "just" instead of "exactly", making it slightly less emphatic but still indicating an accurate description.

is essentially that

Replaces "exactly" with "essentially", indicating that the statement captures the fundamental nature of something.

is simply that

Employs "simply" to suggest that the matter is straightforward and aligns with the previous statement.

is actually that

Includes "actually" to highlight that something is truly the case, often used to correct a misconception.

is fundamentally that

Similar to "essentially", but emphasizes the foundational or basic aspect of the statement.

is merely that

Substitutes "exactly" with "merely", implying that the statement is basic or only that and nothing more.

is nothing other than that

A more verbose way of saying "is exactly that", stressing that there is no alternative or additional element.

FAQs

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

Use "is exactly that" to confirm or emphasize a previous statement or definition. For example, "The job requires precision, and this tool "is exactly that"."

What are some alternatives to "is exactly that"?

You can use alternatives like "is precisely that", "is just that", or "is simply that" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is exactly that"?

It is appropriate to use "is exactly that" when you want to strongly affirm that something matches a specific description or requirement. It's suitable for situations where clarity and emphasis are crucial.

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

"Is exactly that" implies an exact match or identity, while "is similar to that" suggests a resemblance but not a complete equivalence. Use "is exactly that" when there is no difference and "is similar to that" when there are only common attributes but not identical.