Exactly vs That's what we do right

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Exactly

Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb

That's what we do right

Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Exactly
 ExactlyThat's what we do right
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/🇬🇧 //ðæts wɒt wi duː raɪt//🇺🇸 //ðæts wʌt wi du raɪt//
MeaningIn a precise or accurate manner.A phrase used to confirm a shared understanding or agreement about an action.
ExampleThe instructions say to follow the recipe exactly for the best results.When someone asked why we all helped each other out, I said, 'That's what we do right.'
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR levelA2-
Part of speechadverb
Collocationsexactly right, exactly what, exactly the same, exactly how, know exactlyconfirm agreement, teamwork spirit, shared values, common practice, mutual understanding
Antonymsapproximately, 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.Confusing it with 'That's what we do.', Using it in overly formal contexts., Forgetting to use it in the right context of agreement.
Usage notesUse '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 to affirm that the stated action is typical or expected behavior. Avoid in formal settings.

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Exactly
That's what we do right

Frequently asked questions: Exactly vs That's what we do right

What's the difference between Exactly and That's what we do right?

Exactly: In a precise or accurate manner. That's what we do right: A phrase used to confirm a shared understanding or agreement about an action.

Which is more common: Exactly and That's what we do 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. That's what we do right: When someone asked why we all helped each other out, I said, 'That's what we do right.'

Can I use Exactly and That's what we do right interchangeably?

Not always. Exactly and That's what we do 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.

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