I actually agree

USAGE SUMMARY

"I actually agree" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing agreement with something that has been said or written. For example: "We should all make an effort to do our part to reduce pollution." "I actually agree. I'm going to start using reusable bags when I go shopping."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I actually agree with what the government is doing," Mr. Seggers said.

The New York Times

"The whole good-giving-and-game thing is something I actually agree with.

The New York Times - Magazine

He — he presented some ideas during the course of the campaign that I actually agree with.

The New York Times

"I actually agree that it shouldn't be counted," Salazar said by e-mail.

The New York Times - Sports

On some issues, such as favoring a more aggressive approach to help rebels in Syria, I actually agree with Romney.

The New York Times

The president added: "He presented some ideas during the course of the campaign that I actually agree with.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

So I actually agreed with that.

The New Yorker

David: I actually agreed with many of Obama's critiques of Representative Paul Ryan's budget.

The New York Times

Against my better judgment, I actually agreed that the resit culture was not beneficial to teachers or pupils.

The Guardian

When asked why he didn't get more concessions out of Bush, Blair said 'I actually agreed with him.' That's Clegg's problem, he's very comfortable with most of this stuff.

The Guardian

So here's an idea that Governor Romney and I actually agreed on last year: let's tie the minimum wage to the cost of living, so that it finally becomes a wage you can live on.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I actually agree" to express genuine agreement, especially when the agreement might be unexpected or after expressing a differing opinion on another matter.

Common error

While generally acceptable, overusing "I actually agree" can sound repetitive. Vary your language by employing alternatives like "I concur" or "I am in agreement" in formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I actually agree" is as an affirmative response expressing agreement with a preceding statement or idea. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase is commonly used to convey concurrence, often with a hint of surprise or unexpectedness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I actually agree" is a versatile phrase used to express agreement, often with an implication of surprise or unexpectedness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While perfectly suitable for many situations, it's essential to consider the level of formality and opt for synonyms like "I concur" in more formal settings. Remember that, when saying "I actually agree", you are indicating not just agreement, but also a slight deviation from what might be expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That's exactly what I think

Indicates perfect alignment in thought.

I couldn't agree more

Stronger expression of agreement, conveying enthusiasm.

I am in agreement

States agreement directly, suitable for formal contexts.

You're absolutely right

Confirms the correctness of the other person's statement.

I concur

Formal synonym for expressing agreement.

I share your view

Emphasizes shared perspective.

I am of the same opinion

Formal way of expressing agreement, highlighting shared viewpoints.

I hold the same view

Similar to 'I share your view' but with a slightly more detached tone.

I see your point

Acknowledges understanding and agreement, often used to transition to further discussion.

That's so true

Acknowledges the truthfulness of a statement, often used in informal settings.

FAQs

What does "I actually agree" mean?

The phrase "I actually agree" is used to express agreement with a statement or opinion, often with an element of surprise or unexpectedness. It suggests that the speaker might have been expected to disagree, but in fact, they concur.

How can I use "I actually agree" in a sentence?

You can use "I actually agree" to directly express your agreement with a previous statement. For example, "I thought the plan was risky, but "I actually agree" with its potential benefits."

What can I say instead of "I actually agree"?

You can use alternatives like "I concur", "I am in agreement", or "I couldn't agree more" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is there a difference between "I agree" and "I actually agree"?

While both phrases express agreement, "I actually agree" implies a degree of surprise or that the agreement is somewhat unexpected. "I agree" is a more straightforward expression of concurrence.