Cool MateExactly vs More like it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Exactly
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
More like it
InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: ExactlyMost common: Exactly
| Exactly | More like it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //mɔː laɪk ɪt//🇺🇸 //mɔr laɪk ɪt// |
| Meaning | In a precise or accurate manner. | That’s better! or I agree! |
| Example | The instructions say to follow the recipe exactly for the best results. | After the second performance, she said, 'Now that's more like it!' |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | exactly right, exactly what, exactly the same, exactly how, know exactly | more like it!, sounds good, more like it |
| Antonyms | approximately, roughly | Not quite right, Missed the mark, Far from it |
| Common mistakes | 'Exactly' is often confused with 'correctly' — they have different nuances., Learners sometimes use 'exact' instead of 'exactly' in adverbial contexts., Misplaced in sentences, such as using it at the beginning instead of near the verb. | Using in formal contexts like business meetings., Confusing it with 'more like this' for similar items. |
| Usage notes | Use 'exactly' to emphasize precision or correctness. It's suitable for both spoken and written contexts. Avoid in overly casual conversations where a simpler term may suffice. | Use when you agree with something or want to say a situation is improved. It’s appropriate in casual conversations but might sound too informal in formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Exactly vs More like it
What's the difference between Exactly and More like it?
Exactly: In a precise or accurate manner. More like it: That’s better! or I agree!
Which is more formal: Exactly and More like it?
Exactly is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Exactly and More like it?
Exactly is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Exactly: The instructions say to follow the recipe exactly for the best results. More like it: After the second performance, she said, 'Now that's more like it!'
Can I use Exactly and More like it interchangeably?
Not always. Exactly and More like it are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.