Cool MateExactly vs That's the word for it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Exactly
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
That's the word for it
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Exactly
| Exactly | That's the word for it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ðə wɜːd fə ɪt//🇺🇸 //ðæts ðə wɜrd fər ɪt// |
| Meaning | In a precise or accurate manner. | That's the right way to describe something. |
| Example | The instructions say to follow the recipe exactly for the best results. | I couldn't remember what it was called, but then she said 'serendipity' and I thought, that's the word for it! |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| 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 | find the word for it, search for the word for it, use the word for it |
| Antonyms | approximately, roughly | That's not the word for it, That's not the right word, That's an incorrect expression |
| 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 overly formal contexts., Confusing it with similar phrases like 'that's the phrase for it.' |
| 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. | Used when someone provides a description that exactly fits what you're thinking. Appropriate in conversations, but might be too informal in written reports or academic papers. |
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Frequently asked questions: Exactly vs That's the word for it
What's the difference between Exactly and That's the word for it?
Exactly: In a precise or accurate manner. That's the word for it: That's the right way to describe something.
Which is more common: Exactly and That's the word for 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. That's the word for it: I couldn't remember what it was called, but then she said 'serendipity' and I thought, that's the word for it!
Can I use Exactly and That's the word for it interchangeably?
Not always. Exactly and That's the word for 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.