Cool MateExactly vs Strictly
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Exactly
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
Strictly
Top 2,000 (common)B2adverb
Most common: Exactly
| Exactly | Strictly | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈstrɪktli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈstrɪktli/"]/ |
| Meaning | In a precise or accurate manner. | only, definitely |
| Example | The instructions say to follow the recipe exactly for the best results. | She was brought up very strictly. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Collocations | exactly right, exactly what, exactly the same, exactly how, know exactly | strictly speaking, strictly adhere, strictly prohibited, strictly necessary, strictly enforced |
| Antonyms | approximately, roughly | loosely, leniently, flexibly, laxly |
| 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 it in a casual context where 'just' would be more appropriate., Confusing with 'strict', which refers to being demanding or inflexible., Saying 'strictly for' instead of just using 'strictly'. |
| 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 'strictly' when you want to emphasize that something must be done exactly as stated. It's generally used in serious or formal contexts, and less so in casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Exactly vs Strictly
What's the difference between Exactly and Strictly?
Exactly: In a precise or accurate manner. Strictly: only, definitely
Which is more common: Exactly and Strictly?
Exactly is the most common in everyday English.
Are Exactly and Strictly the same CEFR level?
Exactly: A2, Strictly: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Exactly and Strictly interchangeably?
Not always. Exactly and Strictly 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.