it exactly is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it exactly is" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English, but it may not be the most common or natural way to convey a message.
It is important to note that context is key when determining whether a phrase or sentence is appropriate to use in writing. For example, "it exactly is" could be used in a formal or technical setting to emphasize the precise nature of something. Example: The experiment was conducted with great care and attention to detail, and the results show that the hypothesis was correct - it exactly is as we predicted. In this example, the speaker is emphasizing that the results align perfectly with their prediction. However, in everyday conversation or informal writing, it may be more common to use phrases like "it is exactly" or "exactly as." Example: "I asked for a large coffee and they gave me a small one - it's exactly what I didn't want." In this example, the speaker is expressing frustration that the coffee they received is the opposite of what they wanted. Overall, "it exactly is" may be appropriate in certain contexts, but it is important to consider the tone and formality of the writing before using it.

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

What it exactly is I don't know but we've got a problem".

The Guardian - Sport

It is very difficult to sell something if you don't yourself know what it exactly is until opening night.

The Guardian

So, if you've read this far, you're probably thinking that Wave either sounds great or you're confused as to what it exactly is.

TechCrunch

Thus one may hold that it exactly is because personal autonomy is worthy of protection, that routinisation poses a problem.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

What it is, exactly, is hard to say.

The New York Times

What it isn't, exactly, is innovative.

The New Yorker

Where exactly is it?".

Independent

But what exactly is it?

The New York Times

What exactly is it celebrating?

The New York Times - Arts

When exactly is it wrong?

University of California, Berkeley

What exactly is it then?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts, use "it exactly is" to emphasize a point that requires precision. For example, in technical documentation or scientific reports.

Common error

Avoid using "it exactly is" in casual conversation. It can sound stilted or unnatural. Instead, opt for more common phrases like "that's exactly it" or "it is exactly".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it exactly is" is to serve as a statement of affirmation or confirmation, often emphasizing the precise nature of a fact or condition. Ludwig AI affirms this through the examples, where the phrase appears in contexts requiring accuracy.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it exactly is" is grammatically acceptable but not commonly used. Ludwig AI highlights that while it's suitable for emphasizing precision in formal or technical contexts, it may sound unnatural in everyday conversation. Consider alternatives like "it is exactly" or "that's exactly it" for more common usage. The phrase appears across various sources, including news, science, and academia, though its overall frequency is rare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is precisely

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness more strongly.

that is precisely it

Highlights that something has been identified correctly.

it is exactly that

Focuses on confirming a specific detail or aspect.

it is accurate

Highlights the correctness of information.

it is the case

Formally asserts a particular situation or fact.

that's the long and short of it

Summarizes the whole thing into a simple statement.

it is just so

Expresses agreement or confirmation.

it rings true

Indicates authenticity or genuineness.

it checks out

Indicates that something has been verified and found to be correct.

it holds true

Suggests that something remains valid or consistent over time.

FAQs

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

Use "it exactly is" when you want to emphasize the precision or accuracy of something. For instance, "The experiment confirmed that the result – "it exactly is" as we predicted."

What are some alternatives to using "it exactly is"?

Alternatives include "it is precisely", "it is exactly that", or "that is precisely it". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it exactly is" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it exactly is" is grammatically correct, though it's less common than alternatives like "that's exactly it" or "it is exactly".

When is it appropriate to use "it exactly is" in writing?

Use "it exactly is" in formal or technical writing where you need to stress the precise nature of something. However, in informal contexts, consider using "it is exactly" or other similar phrases.