Cool MateExactly vs No more no less
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Exactly
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
No more no less
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Exactly
| Exactly | No more no less | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //nəʊ mɔː nəʊ lɛs//🇺🇸 //noʊ mɔr noʊ lɛs// |
| Meaning | In a precise or accurate manner. | Exactly the amount mentioned, not more or less. |
| Example | The instructions say to follow the recipe exactly for the best results. | I need 10 apples, no more no less. |
| 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 | exactly as stated, the amount specified, not a penny more |
| Antonyms | approximately, roughly | - |
| 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 'no more and less' instead of 'no more no less'., Confusing it with 'more or less', which indicates approximation. |
| 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 to emphasize an exact figure or amount. Generally informal but accepted in various contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Exactly vs No more no less
What's the difference between Exactly and No more no less?
Exactly: In a precise or accurate manner. No more no less: Exactly the amount mentioned, not more or less.
Which is more common: Exactly and No more no less?
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. No more no less: I need 10 apples, no more no less.
Can I use Exactly and No more no less interchangeably?
Not always. Exactly and No more no less 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.