word choice - "What exactly" vs. "Exactly what" - English ...
english.stackexchange.com › questions › 44438Oct 7, 2011 · First of all, they are basically the same thing thing. However, I think there are some subtle differences in how they are used. The first is more common and is probably preferred in most cases. It simply means "Tell me what that book is about, and be specific and accurate." If someone decided to use the second phrasing, they would be putting more emphasis on the word "what" since what is being modified by the phrase 'exactly.'.