Cool MateNot exactly vs Not really
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Not exactly
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Not really
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Not exactlyMost common: Not really
| Not exactly | Not really | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nɒt ɪɡˈzæktli//🇺🇸 //nɑt ɪɡˈzæktli// | 🇬🇧 //nɒt ˈrɪəli//🇺🇸 //nɑt ˈrɪəli// |
| Meaning | Not completely true or accurate. | Not true or correct. |
| Example | The answer was not exactly what I expected. | When he said he was an expert, I thought, 'Not really'. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | not exactly correct, not exactly clear, not exactly true, not exactly what I mean, not exactly a solution | not really my thing, not really sure, not really interested |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'not really', which is more casual., 'Not exactly' is sometimes overused in explanations., Learners may use it in formal contexts where a more definitive phrase is needed. | Using it in very formal writing or speeches., Confusing with 'not really' as a definitive answer instead of an expression of doubt. |
| Usage notes | Used to express disagreement or to soften criticism. It is more polite than saying 'wrong'. Avoid in very formal writing. | Used to express disagreement or doubt. Common in casual conversations, but may be too informal for formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Not exactly vs Not really
What's the difference between Not exactly and Not really?
Not exactly: Not completely true or accurate. Not really: Not true or correct.
Which is more formal: Not exactly and Not really?
Not exactly is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Not exactly and Not really?
Not really is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Not exactly: The answer was not exactly what I expected. Not really: When he said he was an expert, I thought, 'Not really'.
Can I use Not exactly and Not really interchangeably?
Not always. Not exactly and Not really 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.