Word
actually
Phoneticsac·tu·al·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈækˌtʃuəɫi/
UK/ˈæktʃuːəli/
Sentence adverb
Definitions
01in fact or reality
A2 · Elementary
adv. used to emphasize that something is true, especially if it is surprising.
adv. used to stress the factual truth of a statement, frequently to correct a misconception or highlight an unexpected reality.
日本語:実際※
“I thought the movie would be boring, but it was actually quite good.”
“While many assumed the project had been cancelled, the team was actually working on a revised version in secret.”
Usage
Often placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis or before the main verb.
Pitfall
Actually, I am living in London now.
Currently, I am living in London now.
In many languages, 'actually' sounds like the word for 'now'. In English, it means 'in fact', not 'at this moment'.
Antonyms
02correcting someone politely
B1 · Intermediate
adv. you use this when you want to correct someone in a gentle way.
adv. serves as a pragmatic marker to introduce a correction or a differing opinion with a degree of politeness or hesitation.
日本語:実は※
“Actually, the meeting is at three o'clock, not two.”
“Actually, if we look at the data again, we might find that the initial conclusions were somewhat premature.”
Usage
Commonly used as a sentence starter in spoken English to soften a correction.
Synonyms
03expressing surprise
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. used to show that you are surprised that something happened.
adv. used to express surprise or to indicate that something is more impressive or extreme than expected.
“Did he actually finish that giant pizza all by himself?”
“It is remarkable that they actually managed to secure the funding despite the economic downturn.”
Teaching tip
In this sense, the word is often stressed in speech to convey disbelief or amazement.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “actually” in context.
Confusables
Actually corrects a false assumption; currently describes what is happening right now.
RememberActually = In fact. Currently = At present.
Eventually marks the end of a long process or delay, while actually introduces a fact that corrects a misunderstanding.
RememberEventually = Finally. Actually = In fact.
Etymology
From Middle English actually, actuelly, equivalent to actual + -ly.
A calque of Tagalog talaga.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/actually
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0