to be exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be exactly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a specific point or to clarify meaning. For example, "I'm looking for a size 8 dress, to be exact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have to be exactly that somebody.

The New Yorker

The answer has to be exactly 10.0%.

Stanford University

It didn't have to be exactly equal.

The New Yorker

He turned out to be exactly right.

The New York Times

I have to be exactly accurate.

The New York Times

"But in fact it seems to be exactly the opposite".

The New York Times - Science

That seemed to be exactly the goal of Dragonfly.

The New York Times

That seems to be exactly what's happening with Virgin America.

The Economist

Every pattern has to be exactly the same".

The New York Times - Sports

"This had to be exactly the Three Stooges.

The New York Times

This turned out to be exactly what audiences wanted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider whether a more concise alternative like "precisely" or "specifically" might improve clarity and flow.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "to be exactly" in casual conversation or informal writing can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "precisely" or "specifically" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be exactly" functions as an adverbial modifier within a sentence. It typically serves to emphasize precision and accuracy, providing a higher degree of detail or clarification to a statement. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be exactly" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adverbial phrase used to emphasize precision and clarity. As demonstrated by Ludwig's numerous examples, it is suitable for various contexts, although it is most commonly found in news and media sources. While it effectively clarifies statements, overuse in informal settings may sound unnatural. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, making it a valuable tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be exact

Slightly shorter and more direct, omitting the adverbial emphasis.

to be precise

Emphasizes accuracy and detail, focusing on eliminating ambiguity.

to be accurate

Highlights the correctness and truthfulness of information.

to be specific

Focuses on providing detailed and particular information, avoiding generality.

to be correct

Indicates adherence to facts or standards.

to be absolutely

Emphasizes certainty and leaves no room for doubt.

to be literally

Highlights that a statement is not figurative but true to the letter.

to be completely

Stresses the thoroughness or totality of something.

to be faithfully

Emphasizes adherence to original or true form.

to be identically

Indicates perfect similarity or equivalence.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be exactly" to emphasize a specific detail or provide clarification, such as: "The cost, "to be exactly", was $250".

What phrases are similar to "to be exactly"?

Similar phrases include "to be precise", "to be specific", or "to be accurate", all used to highlight accuracy or detail.

Is it always necessary to use "to be exactly" for clarity?

No, while "to be exactly" can enhance clarity, sometimes simpler adverbs like "precisely" or "specifically" can achieve the same effect more concisely.

What's the difference between "to be exactly" and "to be accurate"?

"To be exactly" often emphasizes a specific number or detail, while "to be accurate" generally refers to overall correctness and truthfulness.