Board Thread:Wiki Running/@comment-3225604-20150612083557/@comment-26235098-20150613134115

Wildoneshelper wrote:

"The exact same" is a "typo" (expression problems) A "typo" or typographical error refers to something that has been accidentally typed incorrectly. When I write, "I did the exact same thing," I have not made a typographical error. We can discuss whether it is an error, or what kind it is, but it seems quite clear that it is not a typographical error.

If you mean something specific by "expression problems", I'd be very interested... do please explain or link me to an informative source. since you can't have the same adjective for the same purpose (except for adjectives related to opinions). I found "exactly the same" much more suitable than "the exact, same". In my opinion, I don't think there's much difference between the two and I will tend to stick with "exactly the same" since it sounds smoother and more emphatic.

There isn't much difference at all, and indeed the difference is a postive one. I concur that "exactly the same" sounds more elegant. I didn't mean to suggest you change it.

From a linguistic standpoint, it certainly is possible to use redundant synonyms for emphasis, i.e. use the "same adjective for the same purpose" as you say. We do it all the time. It is a "common" style of speech.

My only real point is that this is a style difference, not a true error. You strike me as very interested in language, so I thought I'd talk to you about it. I am interested in language/linguistics (can ya telll????) so maybe I was a bit too hopeful. I apologize if you found it disrespectful or a waste of time. I did not intend it that way.