to be exact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be exact" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the accuracy of a statement. For example, "The marathon is 26.2 miles long, to be exact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Five, to be exact.

The New York Times

Feral hogs, to be exact.

The New York Times

Actually, 0.015%, to be exact.

The Guardian

"Five times, to be exact".

The New Yorker

To be exact, 4.4 miles.

The New York Times - Science

Blue jeans to be exact.

The New Yorker

Ten, to be exact.

The New York Times

Detectives, to be exact.

The New York Times

Two to be exact.

The Washington Post

(Seventy-five tons, to be exact).

The New Yorker

42 cords of wood, to be exact.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be exact" when you want to provide a more precise or accurate detail following a general statement. It helps clarify and reinforce the information.

Common error

Avoid using "to be exact" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly pedantic or stiff. Opt for simpler phrases like "actually" or "really" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be exact" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the preceding clause by adding precision. As Ludwig AI indicates, it emphasizes the accuracy of a statement, providing more specific details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be exact" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce precise details and enhance the accuracy of a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and widely used. It’s most common in news and media but applicable across different writing styles, maintaining a neutral tone. While valuable for clarity, avoid overuse in very informal contexts to prevent sounding overly pedantic. Remember that using alternatives like "to be precise" or "specifically speaking" can add variety to your writing. Mastering "to be exact" can significantly improve clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be precise

A direct synonym, focusing on exactness.

exactly

A single word with a similar function, indicating precision.

to put it precisely

Focuses on the manner of stating something accurately.

precisely speaking

Replaces the phrase with a more formal tone, focusing on accuracy.

more accurately

Highlights the improvement in accuracy of the statement.

specifically speaking

Emphasizes the specific details being mentioned.

in actual fact

Highlights the truthfulness and accuracy of the information.

in reality

Emphasizes the real or actual state of affairs.

if you want to get technical

Introduces a more technical or precise explanation.

in detail

Highlights that further, more accurate details will be given.

FAQs

How can I use "to be exact" in a sentence?

Use "to be exact" to add precision or clarify a previous statement. For example, "The project took two weeks, "to be exact"".

What phrases are similar to "to be exact"?

You can use alternatives like "precisely speaking", "to be precise", or "specifically speaking" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "to be exact" formal or informal?

"To be exact" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for both writing and speaking, but avoid overusing it in very casual conversation.

When should I use "to be exact" instead of "exactly"?

Use "to be exact" when you want to introduce a more accurate or detailed version of a previous statement. Use "exactly" to express agreement or confirmation.