that exactly it

USAGE SUMMARY

"that exactly it" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate agreement or understanding after somebody has explained something. For example: "I've been looking for a new job for months, but nothing seems to work out." "Ah, that's tough - that exactly it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For my parents, wealth implied corruption and while my politics might not have fitted with that exactly, it also wasn't at odds with it".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is that exactly what it sounds like?

The Guardian

Was that exactly how it happened?

Huffington Post

That is exactly it.

The New York Times

That's exactly it".

The New York Times

That was exactly it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That's exactly it!" says Driver.

Independent

McG That's exactly it.

The Guardian - Books

And that's exactly it.

The Guardian - Books

"That's exactly it!" exclaimed Backes.

The Guardian

"That's exactly it!" Josiah said, quickly turning red.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that exactly it" in informal conversation or writing to express strong agreement or understanding. It's effective when someone has clearly articulated a point that resonates with you.

Common error

Avoid using "that exactly it" in formal contexts such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more professional alternatives like "that is correct" or "that is accurate."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that exactly it" functions as an interjection or a short response indicating strong agreement or confirmation. It affirms that what was previously said is precisely correct or aligns perfectly with the speaker's understanding. Ludwig examples show it used in everyday conversations to validate a statement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that exactly it" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, primarily employed in informal settings to convey strong agreement or confirmation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English. While not frequent, its usage is supported by various sources, including news and media outlets. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for casual conversations or informal writing, opting for more formal alternatives in professional or academic contexts. Remember to avoid overusing it in formal writing and to consider related phrases like "that's precisely it" or "that's spot on" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's precisely it

Replaces "exactly" with "precisely", offering a slightly more formal tone.

that's spot on

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey perfect accuracy or agreement.

that's right

A simpler and more common way to express agreement.

that's correct

Another straightforward affirmation, emphasizing accuracy.

you've hit the nail on the head

An idiomatic expression that indicates someone has identified the exact problem or solution.

that's on the mark

Similar to "spot on", indicating accuracy.

you nailed it

Informal way of saying someone has done something perfectly.

that's the ticket

An older idiom expressing that something is exactly what is needed or correct.

that's just the thing

Indicates something is perfectly suitable or correct for a particular purpose.

that's the heart of the matter

Highlights that someone has identified the core issue.

FAQs

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

Use "that exactly it" to express strong agreement or confirmation after someone has made a point. For example, if someone says, "I'm tired of the constant meetings," you could respond with, "That's exactly it; they're such a waste of time."

What are some alternatives to saying "that exactly it"?

You can use alternatives like "that's precisely it", "that's spot on", or "that's right" depending on the context.

Is "that exactly it" grammatically correct?

Yes, "that exactly it" is grammatically correct, though it is more common in informal speech and writing. Ludwig confirms it's usable in English.

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

It is most appropriate to use "that exactly it" in informal conversations or casual writing when you want to strongly agree with or validate someone's statement. Avoid using it in formal or professional settings.