Cool MateExactly vs Like that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Exactly
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
Like that
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: ExactlyMost common: Exactly
| Exactly | Like that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //laɪk ðæt//🇺🇸 //laɪk ðæt// |
| Meaning | In a precise or accurate manner. | used to agree or show you understand something |
| Example | The instructions say to follow the recipe exactly for the best results. | I really enjoyed the concert, like that! |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | exactly right, exactly what, exactly the same, exactly how, know exactly | just like that, not like that, do it like that |
| Antonyms | approximately, roughly | unlike that, differently, not like that |
| 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. | Used too formally in professional settings, Confusing with 'like this' or 'like him', Overusing in conversations can sound unoriginal |
| 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 in casual conversations, but avoid in formal writing or speeches. It shows agreement or acknowledgment. |
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Frequently asked questions: Exactly vs Like that
What's the difference between Exactly and Like that?
Exactly: In a precise or accurate manner. Like that: used to agree or show you understand something
Which is more formal: Exactly and Like that?
Exactly is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Exactly and Like that?
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. Like that: I really enjoyed the concert, like that!
Can I use Exactly and Like that interchangeably?
Not always. Exactly and Like that 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.