Cool MateExactly vs That we do
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Exactly
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
That we do
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Exactly
| Exactly | That we do | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðæt wiː duː//🇺🇸 //ðæt wi du// |
| Meaning | In a precise or accurate manner. | A phrase we use to emphasize agreement or truth about something. |
| Example | The instructions say to follow the recipe exactly for the best results. | We always strive for excellence. That we do! |
| 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 | agree that we do, emphasize that we do, remind that we do |
| 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. | Used without context - needs a previous statement., Confused with 'What we do' which has a different meaning. |
| 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. | Often used in conversation to affirm or acknowledge something previously stated. Appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Exactly vs That we do
What's the difference between Exactly and That we do?
Exactly: In a precise or accurate manner. That we do: A phrase we use to emphasize agreement or truth about something.
Which is more common: Exactly and That we do?
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 we do: We always strive for excellence. That we do!
Can I use Exactly and That we do interchangeably?
Not always. Exactly and That we do 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.