do the exact opposite thing vs do the exact opposite

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Do the exact opposite thing' is used when referring to a specific action that needs to be done in the opposite way, while 'do the exact opposite' is more general and can refer to a broader concept or behavior.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 841 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific action that needs to be done in the opposite way.

"do the exact opposite thing"

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize that a particular action should be carried out in a way that is completely contrary to what was originally intended.

Examples:

If you're lost, do the exact opposite thing you would normally do.
To solve this puzzle, you need to do the exact opposite thing from what you think is right.

Show examples from the web [+]

Two experts say the exact opposite thing, and they're both 100% certain.
But what you failed to explain is why... after you coached me in exactly what to say in my testimony... you suddenly do an about-face and say the exact opposite thing.
Weren't you just arguing the exact opposite thing?
Or we do the exact opposite.
So the idea of mastery learning is to do the exact opposite.
There is even a tendency to blatantly do the exact opposite from what politicians prescribe.
Emmet's asked us to behave becuase he knows we would do the exact opposite.
Yet we must do the exact opposite.
When they say one thing, what they want is for us to do the exact opposite.
Maybe it's time we do the exact opposite - go big.
Given everything you've just been through, I think you should do the exact opposite.
It's a bit like children who know that if you squeeze them too tight, they'll do the exact opposite.
And they would go back and do the exact opposite.
Joe, my guiding parenting principle has always been to do the exact opposite of what my parents did.
Because whatever I ask, you seem to do the exact opposite.
I think we do the exact opposite.
You're asking me to do the exact opposite!
But now that I'm spelling billion with an "M," I'm saying do the exact opposite.
So we do the exact opposite.
Mr. Shue is trying to get us to accept ourselves for who we are, and you're helping Rachel do the exact opposite.

Alternatives:

Do the opposite thing exactly
Do the opposite of what you would normally do
Do the opposite action precisely
Perform the exact opposite task
Execute the opposite task accurately

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a general concept or behavior that needs to be done in the opposite way.

"do the exact opposite"

This phrase is used when you want to convey the idea of doing something completely contrary to what is expected or typical.

Examples:

If you want to stand out, do the exact opposite of what everyone else is doing.
She always does the exact opposite of what I suggest.

Show examples from the web [+]

Or we do the exact opposite.
So the idea of mastery learning is to do the exact opposite.
Given everything you've just been through, I think you should do the exact opposite.
You're asking me to do the exact opposite!
Joe, my guiding parenting principle has always been to do the exact opposite of what my parents did.
I think we do the exact opposite.
But now that I'm spelling billion with an "M," I'm saying do the exact opposite.
Now, there's a place that decided to do the exact opposite, and I went there to see how it worked.
I took an oath to do the exact opposite of what you're asking me to do.
Like, go back in time and do the exact opposite of everything you did?
You know, someone I have a lot of respect for told me to do the exact opposite:
So you can say one thing and do the exact opposite?
There is even a tendency to blatantly do the exact opposite from what politicians prescribe.
Yet we must do the exact opposite.
Maybe it's time we do the exact opposite - go big.
It's a bit like children who know that if you squeeze them too tight, they'll do the exact opposite.
And they would go back and do the exact opposite.
Because whatever I ask, you seem to do the exact opposite.
So we do the exact opposite.
Mr. Shue is trying to get us to accept ourselves for who we are, and you're helping Rachel do the exact opposite.

Alternatives:

Do the opposite
Do the contrary
Act in the opposite manner
Perform the opposite action
Execute the contrary behavior

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do the exact opposite thing vs do the exact opposite

"do the exact opposite thing"

"do the exact opposite"

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