this is exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is exactly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is precisely as stated. For example, "This is exactly what I need to finish the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is exactly wrong.

The New York Times

This is exactly backward.

The New Yorker

This is exactly right.

The New Yorker

This is exactly that.

University of California, Berkeley

"This is exactly the opposite".

The New York Times

This is exactly the case.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This is exactly the response they want".

The New York Times

This is exactly what I want".

The New York Times

But this is exactly what presidents do.

The New York Times

This is exactly how markets become destabilized.

The New York Times

This is exactly my point.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is exactly" to reinforce agreement or confirm accuracy in your statements. It's effective when responding to a question, agreeing with someone, or clarifying a point.

Common error

While "this is exactly" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced expressions like "that is precisely the case" or "this aligns perfectly with" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "this is exactly" is as a phrase of affirmation and agreement. Ludwig examples showcase its usage to confirm statements, ideas, or situations presented by others, indicating precise alignment. It acts as a concise way to express concurrence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

19%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"This is exactly" is a versatile phrase used to express strong agreement and confirmation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts. While its frequency suggests broad applicability, remember to consider formality and opt for more nuanced expressions in highly formal settings. Alternatives like "that's precisely it" or "that's perfectly correct" can offer slight variations in tone. When you need to underscore accuracy and complete agreement, "this is exactly" is a direct and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's precisely it

Emphasizes accuracy and correctness of a statement or idea, similar to the original phrase.

that's absolutely right

Highlights complete agreement and affirmation.

that's perfectly correct

Implies exactness and faultlessness in the given context.

that's just right

Conveys suitability and appropriateness.

that's spot on

Indicates accuracy and precision in a more informal tone.

that's on the mark

Suggests hitting the intended point or target accurately.

that's completely true

Affirms the veracity of a statement without qualification.

that's accurate

Highlights the factual correctness of information.

that's the precise point

Emphasizes the exactness of a specific detail or argument.

that's entirely correct

Indicates complete accuracy and validity.

FAQs

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

You can use "this is exactly" to express agreement or confirmation, as in "You've described the problem perfectly; "this is exactly" what I was thinking."

What are some alternatives to "this is exactly"?

Alternatives include "that's precisely it", "that's absolutely right", or "that's perfectly correct" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to use "this is exactly" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, using "this is exactly" might be perceived as too informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using phrases like "that is precisely correct" or "this is entirely accurate" for a more professional tone.

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

"This is exactly" emphasizes a precise match or agreement, while "this is correct" simply affirms the truth or accuracy of something. "This is exactly" implies a higher degree of alignment or confirmation.