when exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

"when exactly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to ask for a precise time, date, or event. For example: "When exactly should I arrive at the meeting?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When exactly?

The New York Times

When, exactly?

The New York Times

When, exactly, I don't know".

The New York Times - Sports

When exactly is it wrong?

University of California, Berkeley

When, exactly, did you become a conservative?

The New York Times - Magazine

When, exactly, did the transfer take place?

The New York Times

When exactly did this invasion begin?

The New Yorker

When exactly, he is not sure.

The New York Times - Sports

And when, exactly, will that happen?

The New York Times

"When exactly did this happen?" Lou asks.

The New Yorker

When exactly is the election?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when exactly" to clarify ambiguous timelines. Instead of saying "the meeting is next week", specify "the meeting is next week, but when exactly will it take place?"

Common error

While "when exactly" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in highly formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "at which precise time" or "on what specific date" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when exactly" functions as an interrogative adverbial phrase. It is used to seek specific information about the timing of an event or action, demanding precision beyond a general timeframe, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when exactly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to inquire about the specific time of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While suitable for most situations, it's essential to consider more formal alternatives in professional or academic writing. Common sources include news outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, making it a reliable and versatile tool for clear communication. Consider using related phrases like "when specifically" to create variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when specifically

Similar in meaning, but slightly more emphatic than "when exactly".

precisely when

Inverts the original phrase for emphasis.

what exact time

Emphasizes the hour and minute of an occurrence.

what particular time

Highlights a certain time out of several possibilities.

at what precise moment

More formal and emphasizes the specific point in time.

at which precise time

A more formal and less common phrasing, still indicating a specific time.

on what specific date

Focuses specifically on the calendar date.

at what point in time

More descriptive and less direct than "when exactly".

on what occasion

Refers to a specific event or happening that includes a moment.

upon which date

Formal and less common, implies a formal agreement or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "when exactly" in a sentence?

You can use "when exactly" to ask for specific timing. For example, "The project will be finished soon, but "when exactly" will it be delivered?"

What phrases are similar to "when exactly"?

Similar phrases include "what exact time", "when specifically", or "at what precise moment". The choice depends on the level of formality and the context.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "when exactly"?

While generally acceptable, "when exactly" might sound too direct or informal in very formal settings. Consider using more formal alternatives in such cases.

What's the difference between "when exactly" and "when specifically"?

Both phrases are very similar, but "when specifically" can sometimes imply a need to differentiate from other possible times, while "when exactly" focuses on pinpointing the precise moment.