Cool MateExactly vs You're right
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Exactly
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
You're right
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Exactly
| Exactly | You're right | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //jʊəˈraɪt//🇺🇸 //jʊrˈraɪt// |
| Meaning | In a precise or accurate manner. | You are correct. |
| Example | The instructions say to follow the recipe exactly for the best results. | When she pointed out the error, I realized she was right. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| 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 | You're right about that, You know you're right, If you're right, You're definitely right, I'm glad you're right |
| 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 'your' instead of 'you're'., Saying 'you are right' too often instead of using the phrase., Not using it when someone needs agreement. |
| 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. | Commonly used to agree with someone. Suitable in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid in argumentative situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Exactly vs You're right
What's the difference between Exactly and You're right?
Exactly: In a precise or accurate manner. You're right: You are correct.
Which is more common: Exactly and You're right?
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. You're right: When she pointed out the error, I realized she was right.
Can I use Exactly and You're right interchangeably?
Not always. Exactly and You're right 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.