actually
gb/ˈækt͡ʃəli/ us/ˈækt͡ʃəli/
A2
English
~ 400
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
property
1
in reality or truth
Used to show that something is true, especially when it is different from what people think.
Usage pattern:
actually [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'actually' when they mean 'currently' because of false friends in other languages (e.g., 'actualmente' in Spanish).
Synonyms
really (Similar in meaning, but often more emotional or emphatic.)
|
in fact (More formal and neutral, often used in writing.)
Antonyms
supposedly (Suggests something is believed or claimed but may not be true.)
Collocations
actually true
|actually happened
|actually works
|actually exists
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I thought he was joking, but he was actually serious.
- She actually finished the project ahead of schedule.
- He seems confident, but he's actually quite nervous.
- That movie was actually better than I expected.
Learner examples
- It is actually very easy to make.
- He is actually my brother.
- She is actually from Canada.
- The shop is actually open on Sunday.
adverb
B1
property
2
to express surprise or correction
Used to say something different from what someone thinks or said before.
Usage pattern:
actually, [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'actually' in corrections, making speech sound overly formal or abrupt.
Synonyms
as a matter of fact (More formal and sometimes slightly emphatic.)
Antonyms
exactly (Confirms agreement rather than correcting.)
Collocations
actually no
|actually yes
|actually I think
Themes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Actually, I don't agree with that.
- I thought she was American. Actually, she's Australian.
- Actually, we met before at a conference.
Learner examples
- Actually, I can't come tomorrow.
- Actually, this is my seat.
- Actually, I am not hungry.
adverb
B1
property
3
to emphasize truth or importance
Used to make a statement stronger or more surprising.
Usage pattern:
actually [verb/phrase]
Synonyms
truly (Slightly more formal and poetic in tone.)
Antonyms
barely (Suggests minimal degree rather than emphasis.)
Collocations
actually believe
|actually want
|actually know
Themes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I actually enjoy cleaning the house.
- He actually won the competition against all odds.
- We actually saw a whale during our trip.
Learner examples
- I actually like this song.
- She actually speaks three languages.
- We actually went to the same school.
Grammar
Dictionary form
actually
IPA
GB/ˈækt͡ʃəli/
US/ˈækt͡ʃəli/
Syllables & stress
ac - tu - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ac)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: actually
- Plural: actuallies
Word family
Expressions
actually speaking
1/ˈækt͡ʃəli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
talking about reality or facts directly
Used to say that you are talking about the real facts of something.
Examples
- Actually speaking, the plan is not possible.
- Actually speaking, we don't have enough data yet.
not actually
1/nˈɑt ˈækt͡ʃəli/
fixed phrase
not in reality or truth
Used to say that something is not really true or did not really happen.
Examples
- It looks dangerous, but it's not actually harmful.
- He seemed angry, but he was not actually upset.
what actually happened
1/wˈʌt ˈækt͡ʃəli hˈæpənd/
fixed phrase
describe the real events that occurred
Used to ask about or explain the real events in a situation.
Examples
- Can you tell me what actually happened last night?
- Here's what actually happened during the meeting.