what exactly is it vs what exactly it is

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'What exactly is it' is the more common and natural word order in English. It is used when asking for clarification or more information about something. 'What exactly it is' can be used for emphasis or in a more formal style of speech.

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 1388 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"what exactly is it"

This phrase is used when asking for clarification or more information about something. The word order 'is it' is the standard structure in English questions.

Examples:

Can you explain what exactly is it that you need?
I'm not sure what exactly is it that you're referring to.

Show examples from the web [+]

This folkmoot, what exactly is it?
Tell me, what exactly is it that you'd have me do?
So what exactly is it? It's a note taking app. It's also a drawing or sketching app. It's basically a virtual collection of notebooks you can create for just about anything you need.
2007-11-13 22:16:19 - Character: is it necessary in leadership? (part one) We know character when we see it, but what exactly is it?
But what exactly is it, and who needs to do it?
Post Next: Gynecomastia - What Exactly Is It?
Skin cancer: What exactly is it?
What exactly is it with ProSolution Gel that makes it effective?
What exactly is it that is upsetting her?
This handbook is about open data but what exactly is it?
And what exactly is it we're partners in?
And what exactly is it that my father owed you?
And what exactly is it that my father owed you?
Martha, what exactly is it that you want me to do?
what exactly is it you think you know?
So what exactly is it you have to apologize for?
So, what exactly is it that they're trying to protect?
And what exactly is it that I do?
So tell us, what exactly is it that you do?
Look, what exactly is it you want me to say?

Alternatives:

What is it exactly?
Exactly what is it?
What is it exactly that you want?
What do you mean exactly?
Can you clarify what it is exactly?

This phrase is correct but less common in everyday English usage.

"what exactly it is"

This phrase can be used for emphasis or in a more formal style of speech. It is less common in everyday conversations.

Examples:

I need to understand what exactly it is that you're proposing.
Tell me what exactly it is that you're looking for.

Show examples from the web [+]

Most online sellers offer incredible deals on satellite TV to entice you to buy from them.Before you invest in satellite TV you should have a solid understanding of what exactly it is.
After you have a better idea of what exactly it is that you're going to sell and who the people are that you're selling it to, you will need to get your web content up online and get as many people to see it as possible.
Perhaps you could describe what exactly it is you do.
It's interesting to try and see what exactly it is that's annoying.
Okay, I don't really understand what exactly it is.
I wonder what exactly it is he'll be guarding!
Dr. Kern, if you're willing to disclose what exactly it is you're up to, I'm willing to intervene on your behalf.
Why don't we cut the charade and you two tell me what exactly it is you want from me.
In our opinion, rather than "neochiesa" or "false church", you'd do well to speak of "modernists", because of what exactly it is.
I have asked my colleagues to look into it with you so that we can see what exactly it is about and, if we need to do something, we will do it.
We have agreed that a study will be carried out which will also be linked in with a study commissioned by Mr Rothley into what exactly it is that the parliamentarians need in the way of support for their work.
Sometimes you are hungry, yet you do not know what exactly it is that you are hungry for.
exactly how much money is involved and what exactly it is to be spent on; -
What exactly it is to be used for and what information is to be stored on it are two of the key questions.
What should people eat? or? What exactly it is the proper diet?? can not be answered only with eat less fat or? exercise more? and? base your diet on low fat food like.?
A body might ask what exactly it is you think you're doing.
Since you still haven't told me what exactly it is that you do...

Alternatives:

What is it exactly?
Exactly what is it?
What is it exactly that you want?
What do you mean exactly?
Can you clarify what it is exactly?

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what exactly is it vs what exactly it is