it is not exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not exactly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not precisely or entirely as described, often implying a degree of approximation or nuance. Example: "While the project is on schedule, it is not exactly progressing as smoothly as we had hoped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not exactly clear.

The New Yorker

It is not exactly "Schindler's List".

The Economist

It is not exactly a new idea.

The Economist

But it is not exactly a coup.

The Economist

It is not exactly Cooperstown.

The New York Times

It is not exactly Vorsprung durch Technik.

The Guardian - Business

It is not exactly a memoir.

The New York Times - Books

But it is not exactly an affectionate relation.

Yale University

It is not exactly the lifestyle of the high-roller.

The Guardian - Music

It is not exactly the sale of Babe Ruth.

The New York Times - Sports

It is not exactly a defence of Viktor Orbán's government.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not exactly" to introduce a nuanced perspective, avoiding overly simplistic or binary descriptions. This adds sophistication to your writing.

Common error

While versatile, "it is not exactly" can sometimes sound too informal for highly academic or professional documents. Consider using more precise language when appropriate for the setting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not exactly" functions as a qualifier or a hedge. Ludwig's examples illustrate that it introduces a statement that is true to some extent, but not entirely or precisely so. It adds nuance and avoids overstatement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

22%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is not exactly" is a versatile phrase used to express approximation, nuance, or a softened contradiction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, though more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain academic or professional contexts. With its frequent appearance across news, scientific, and academic sources, it stands as a valuable tool for precise and balanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's not quite

Uses "quite" to express a similar degree of inexactness.

it's not entirely

Uses "entirely" to indicate a lack of completeness or wholeness.

it's not really

Employs "really" to suggest a deviation from what might be expected or assumed.

it's not precisely

Replaces "exactly" with "precisely" for a more formal tone.

it's not strictly

Emphasizes the absence of rigid adherence to a standard.

it's not completely

Highlights the lack of full completion or fulfillment.

it's not accurately

Focuses on the absence of correctness or truthfulness.

it's not literally

Indicates that a statement should not be taken in its most basic or factual sense.

it's somewhat different

Expresses a degree of dissimilarity without being highly specific.

it doesn't quite add up

Implies there's a discrepancy or something is not consistent.

FAQs

How can I use "it is not exactly" in a sentence?

Use "it is not exactly" to express that something is close to, but not precisely, a certain description. For example, "The result was positive, but "it is not exactly" what we expected".

What phrases are similar to "it is not exactly"?

Similar phrases include "it is not quite", "it is not entirely", or "it is not really". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it is not exactly" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the tone. In very formal contexts, more precise alternatives like "it does not precisely" or "it deviates slightly from" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "it is not exactly" and "it is not"?

"It is not" is a direct negation. "It is not exactly" implies a closer relationship, suggesting something is nearly, but not fully, the stated description. For instance, "It is not a solution" means there's no solution, while ""it is not exactly" a solution" suggests it might offer partial help.