What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exactly
Example
The package arrived exactly at noon. [exactly: adverb]
Example
I know exactly what you mean. [exactly: adverb]
Example
She followed the recipe exactly to make the perfect cake. [exactly: adverb]
strictly
Example
The company has a strictly enforced dress code. [strictly: adverb]
Example
I strictly adhere to my daily exercise routine. [strictly: adverb]
Example
The teacher graded the paper strictly according to the rubric. [strictly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exactly is more common than strictly in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exactly and strictly?
Strictly is more formal than exactly and is often used in professional or academic contexts.
