it is exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is exactly" is a valid and usable expression in written English.
It is often used to emphasize accuracy or agreement. For example, "Yes, it is exactly what I wanted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is exactly fine.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, it is exactly opposite.

The New York Times

It is exactly that.

The Guardian - Music

"It is exactly what happened to me.

The New York Times

It is exactly what it sounds like.

The New York Times - Magazine

(Actually, it is exactly like "Hair").

The New York Times

It is exactly the opposite.

Harvard Business Review

It is exactly the same.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mary: It is exactly right.

The New Yorker

It is exactly what is being demanded.

Stanford University

But otherwise it is exactly the same.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is exactly" to reinforce a point or to confirm the accuracy of information. It adds emphasis and clarity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it is exactly" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "it is precisely" or "that is correct" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is exactly" primarily functions as an emphatic affirmation or confirmation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is valid and frequently used in English to emphasize agreement or accuracy. Examples show it used to affirm statements, express agreement, or highlight precise matches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is exactly" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize accuracy, express agreement, or highlight equivalence across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used in English. While predominantly found in news and media, it maintains relevance in academic and professional spheres. When using this phrase, aim for clarity and precision, and consider alternatives to avoid repetition. By adhering to best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively incorporate "it is exactly" into your writing to convey confidence and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is precisely

This alternative emphasizes exactness and precision, similar to the original phrase.

that's exactly right

This alternative expresses strong agreement and confirmation.

it is completely identical

Emphasizes the complete sameness of two things.

it corresponds perfectly

This alternative emphasizes a perfect match or agreement.

it aligns perfectly

Highlights complete alignment or agreement.

it is just so

This alternative is used to emphasize a quality or state.

it mirrors precisely

This alternative suggests an exact reflection or correspondence.

it is the spitting image

This phrase emphasizes a very close resemblance.

it is the dead ringer

This alternative also highlights a very close resemblance or match.

it's on the nose

This alternative is an idiomatic expression signifying perfect accuracy.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it is exactly" is used to confirm or emphasize accuracy. For example, "That's exactly what I meant" or "It is exactly as the instructions describe".

What can I say instead of "it is exactly"?

You can use alternatives like "it is precisely", "that is correct", or "it corresponds perfectly" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it is exactly the same"?

Yes, "it is exactly the same" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that two things are completely identical. For a less verbose construction consider "it is identical".

What is the difference between "it is exactly" and "it is almost"?

"It is exactly" indicates complete accuracy or agreement, while "it is almost" suggests nearness but not complete accuracy. For instance, "It is exactly 3 PM" versus "It is almost 3 PM".