which exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

"which exactly" is a common phrase used in written English.
It is often used for emphasis in order to indicate that what comes after is the exact thing that is being discussed. For example, "He told me the address, which exactly was 123 Main Street."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All of which exactly represents my diet.

The Guardian

Rigorous fracture mechanics analysis, which exactly satisfies all boundary conditions of the problem, is conducted.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

His new venture makes coffee capsules which exactly fit Nespresso machines, to compete with Nespresso pods.

The Economist

It is a vision which exactly corresponds to the nightmare we are about to see.

The Guardian - Film

It has until December this year to decide which exactly it wants to implement.

The Guardian

Based on Donnell's nonlinear shell theory, a semi-analytical model is derived which exactly satisfies the (in-plane) boundary conditions.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Hers is a "two-way" bilingual class in which exactly half of the children already speak English fluently.

The Economist

Everyone, however, identified Day-Lewis's genius, which exactly matched Woodcock's genius and, while we're at it, Anderson's genius.

The New Yorker

She said her name routinely assumed various odd configurations on boarding passes, none of which exactly matched her ID.

The New York Times

A method based on the "combined" subdivision scheme of Levin is also available, which exactly reproduces the intersection curve of two subdivision surfaces.

Subdivision Methods for Geometric Design A Constructive Approach

The 3D ABAQUS® finite element (FE) model for thermo-geomechanical analysis which exactly maps the STOMP-CO2 model contains variable thermo-geomechanical properties.

International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which exactly", ensure that the clause it introduces directly and unambiguously clarifies the preceding statement to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "which exactly" when a simple "which" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive or overly emphatic. Consider whether the "exactly" adds genuine value or if it's redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which exactly" functions as a relative pronoun introducing a non-defining relative clause that provides additional information or clarification about a preceding noun or clause. Ludwig AI indicates it’s a common way to emphasize a specific detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

37%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which exactly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause. As Ludwig AI states, it emphasizes precision and specification within a broader context. It appears most often in scientific and news-related content and serves to highlight particular details. While a valuable tool for clarity, it's crucial to avoid overuse, as simpler alternatives like "which" might suffice in many instances. Effective use of "which exactly" enhances the accuracy and focus of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specifically which

This alternative emphasizes the need for a precise identification.

precisely which

This alternative highlights the accuracy and exactness being sought.

in particular which

This phrase narrows down the options to a specific item within a larger set.

more specifically which

This alternative builds upon "specifically which", adding a layer of detailed focus.

to be exact which

This phrase clarifies that the subsequent information will be precise and accurate.

namely which

This alternative introduces a specific example or name to clarify the preceding statement.

that is to say which

This phrase introduces a restatement or clarification of the previous point.

that is which

A shorter version of "that is to say which", providing a clarification.

precisely what

Shifts the focus from "which" item to "what" specific element or detail.

specifically what

Similar to "precisely what", but with a slightly different emphasis on the item in question.

FAQs

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

Use "which exactly" to specify or clarify a particular item or detail from a broader set of options. For example: "The report detailed several potential issues, "which exactly" needed addressing immediately."

What phrases are similar to "which exactly"?

Alternatives include phrases like "specifically which", "precisely which", or "in particular which", all used to emphasize the need for precise identification.

Is it always necessary to include "exactly" after "which"?

No, it's not always necessary. The addition of "exactly" is for emphasis and to highlight a specific detail. If the context is already clear, using just "which" is sufficient. Overusing "which exactly" can make your writing sound repetitive.

What's the difference between "which exactly" and "what exactly"?

"Which exactly" is used when you are choosing from a set of options, while "what exactly" is used to ask for clarification or specification of something not explicitly listed. For example, ""which exactly" of these options is best?" versus "what exactly do you mean by that statement?"