it exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it exactly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize precision or accuracy in relation to something previously mentioned. Example: "I need you to follow the instructions as I provided them, do it exactly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's it exactly".

The New York Times - Books

That was it exactly.

Stanford University

He got it exactly wrong.

The New York Times

"That's it exactly!" Glover shouts.

The Guardian - Music

That gets it exactly backward.

The New York Times

They got it exactly backward.

The New York Times - Health

Wolfe had it exactly right.

The New Yorker

I don't understand it exactly.

The New Yorker

what is it, exactly?

The Washington Post

But what is it, exactly?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But what is it exactly?

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it exactly" to reinforce the precision of a previous statement or instruction. This phrase adds emphasis and clarity.

Common error

While "it exactly" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. In formal documents, consider substituting with synonyms like "precisely" or "specifically" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it exactly" functions as an adverbial phrase used to modify a verb or clause, emphasizing the accuracy or precision of an action, statement, or condition. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in confirming correctness and highlighting specific details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it exactly" is a versatile expression used to emphasize accuracy and precision. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. Predominantly found in news and media, and academic writing, it serves to reinforce understanding or highlight specific details. When writing, remember to consider synonyms like "precisely that" in more formal contexts to avoid repetition. Ultimately, using "it exactly" effectively enhances clarity and emphasizes accuracy in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely that

Emphasizes the accuracy and directness of a previous statement or action.

that's perfectly it

Indicates complete agreement or understanding, suggesting that something is entirely correct.

that's spot on

An informal way to express that something is perfectly accurate or correct.

that's on the nose

Similar to 'spot on', implying perfect accuracy or relevance.

that hits the nail on the head

Expresses that someone has identified the exact issue or solution.

that's just right

Indicates that something is neither too much nor too little, but perfectly balanced.

that's accurate

A general term for correctness, but lacks the emphasis of "it exactly".

that's completely right

Emphasizes the total correctness of something, similar to perfect accuracy.

that's the bullseye

This emphasizes that something is very accurate or successful.

that's verbatim

This implies a word-for-word accuracy.

FAQs

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

You can use "it exactly" to emphasize the precision or accuracy of something you are referring to. For example: "That's "it exactly": keys or valves."

What are some alternatives to using "it exactly"?

Alternatives to "it exactly" include phrases like "precisely that", "that's perfectly it", or "that's spot on", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between using "it exactly" and "exactly" on its own?

While "exactly" can stand alone, "it exactly" typically refers back to a specific thing or statement, adding more emphasis. "Exactly" on its own confirms agreement but lacks the specific reference.

When is it more appropriate to use "precisely" instead of "it exactly"?

Use "precisely" in more formal contexts where you want to convey exactness or accuracy without the more casual tone that "it exactly" might carry. For example, in scientific writing, "precisely" is generally preferred.