that is exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is exactly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is precisely or completely true or accurate in relation to a previous statement or idea. Example: "When you said the project deadline was moved up, that is exactly what I was worried about."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On Friday that is exactly what happened.

The New York Times - Sports

Alas, that is exactly what has happened.

The Economist

That is exactly it.

The New York Times

That is exactly right.

Forbes

That is exactly what happened.

The New York Times - Sports

That is exactly the point.

The Economist

"That is exactly the problem.

The New York Times

That is exactly backward.

The Washington Post

That is exactly what Olivier intended.

The Economist

That is exactly where the club is.

Independent

That is exactly how democracy should work.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that is exactly" to provide strong affirmation or agreement with a previous statement, reinforcing its accuracy or truth.

Common error

While "that is exactly" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in very formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "precisely" or "indeed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is exactly" primarily functions as an emphatic affirmation. It's used to express complete agreement with a previous statement or situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a way to underscore that something is precisely correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that is exactly" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used for strong affirmation and agreement. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively emphasizes alignment with a previous statement. While acceptable in most situations, remember to vary your language in formal writing by considering synonyms like "precisely" or "indeed" to maintain a sophisticated tone. When providing guidance, favor "that is precisely".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's precisely correct

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness in agreement; slightly more formal.

that's absolutely right

Highlights the complete correctness of a statement; adds a strong affirmation.

that's completely true

Focuses on the truthfulness of the statement; provides unequivocal agreement.

that's spot on

An informal way of saying something is exactly right; emphasizes accuracy.

you're perfectly correct

Acknowledges the speaker's correctness; more polite and formal.

that's just it

Agrees with a key point or understanding; emphasizes the importance of the statement.

that's the precise point

Highlights agreement with a specific detail; draws attention to accuracy.

that hits the nail on the head

An idiomatic way of saying something is exactly right; adds a colorful expression.

that mirrors my thoughts

Indicates a complete alignment of thoughts and opinions; more reflective.

that's my understanding too

Indicates shared understanding; softens the agreement by including a personal perspective.

FAQs

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

You can use "that is exactly" to express strong agreement or confirmation. For example, "If you think the project needs more resources, "that is exactly" what I was thinking."

What are some alternatives to "that is exactly"?

Alternatives include "that is precisely", "that is absolutely right", or "that is completely true". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it ever incorrect to use "that is exactly"?

While grammatically correct, overusing "that is exactly" can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "precisely" or "indeed", especially in formal writing.

What's the difference between "that is exactly" and "that is correct"?

"That is exactly" implies a stronger sense of agreement and often confirms something aligns perfectly with a previous statement or thought. "That is correct" simply acknowledges accuracy. Use "that is exactly" when you want to emphasize perfect alignment or agreement.