same + exact

Question

Hi,can someone explain how to use same and exact or exactly in the same sentence? I'm not sure of the word order......the same exact......the exact same......exactly the same......the exactly same......etc.Thanks in advance

Dbiz · Accepted Answer

"same exact" is very informal, to stress the sameness... For example a friend shows you a new watch he or she bought, and you bought the same watch the day before. You can say "I bought the same exact watch yesterday!" You can also say "I bought the same watch yesterday!" or "I bought that exact watch yesterday!" as well. "same exact" is very informal.

"exact same" is very informal too, used similarly as above. You get a haircut. Your sister tells you it looks terrible. Then later, your friend tells you it looks terrible. You can tell your friend "My sister said the exact same thing." Then be sad. Again you could also say "my sister said the same thing" or "my sister said that exact thing".

"exactly the same" means there is NO difference, even a small one. You look at an original work of art, and your friend copied the piece of art perfectly. You compare the two, and say "They look exactly the same!"

You would never say "the exactly same".

CalifJim · Answer

exact same - exactly the same. Not the others.

I would always put exact(ly the) before same.

CJ

Kooyeen · Answer

CalifJimexact same - exactly the same. Not the others.

I see. That makes sense. I hope I'll remember the order though... Thanks

Ant_222 · Answer

Wow, never thought of “exact same”.

In “exactly the same thing” “exactly” modifies "the same”, but what is the structure of “the exact same thing”?

Does “exact” modify “same thing” or just “thing”? And does it matter?

CalifJim · Answer

As usual, reality stumps the theorists!

I have the intuitive sense that exact acts as an adverb of degree, albeit semantically redundant, much as very might in the same position.

CJ

Doll · Answer

Hello CJ,

Don't misunderstand me but I want to ask a question out of my curiosity.

Isn't albeit a German word?

same + exact

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