Word
actually
Used to refer to what is true or real, often in contrast to what has been said or what might be expected.
Meanings
Used to emphasize that something is true or real, often in contrast to what has been suggested or believed.
Used to add emphasis to what you are saying, sometimes to express a polite correction or contradiction.
Definition
The word "actually" is an adverb that indicates something is real or true, especially when it is different from what someone thought or said. You can use it to correct a misunderstanding or to introduce a surprising fact. It helps to emphasize the reality of a situation.
Examples
- I thought the movie was long, but it was actually only 90 minutes.
- She said she couldn't come to the party, but she actually arrived later with her friend.
- My new job is actually quite interesting, even though I was worried about it at first.
- He thought he had lost his keys, but they were actually in his pocket the whole time.
- "Are you busy tomorrow?" "Actually, I have a free afternoon."
Common mistake
Learners sometimes overuse "actually" when simply stating a fact, or use it incorrectly as a synonym for "currently" or "now".
Learn this in a path
More at B1 level
- empathy Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings.
- metaphor A metaphor is a way of describing something by saying it is something else to create a clear image …
- democracy Democracy is a system of government in which people choose their leaders through voting.
- simile A simile is a comparison that says one thing is like or as another.
- protagonist A protagonist is the main character in a story, play, or film.
More adverbs
- farther Farther means at a greater physical distance than something else.
- further Further means at a greater distance or to a greater degree, or it refers to additional things.
- literally Literally means “in the exact, real sense,” not figuratively or as an exaggeration.
- figuratively Figuratively means in a non-literal way, using a metaphor or image to express an idea.
- slightly To a small degree; a little.