actual sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"actual sense" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the literal meaning of something, as opposed to a figurative or metaphorical interpretation. For example, "My professor was speaking in metaphors, so it was hard to understand the actual sense of what she was saying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But it doesn't replace the actual sense of being there, staring up at Leonardo's ghostly image.

The New Yorker

Summer gothic makes no actual sense at all, because you can't do goth in the sunshine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

More valuable is his deep archive of interviews, which give an actual sense of the story unfolding in real time.

The New York Times - Books

As many Democratic victims could attest, Mr. Atwater was Machiavellian in the actual sense of the word.

The New York Times

That's why Arendt, in her book, takes such pains to filter evil intent — any actual sense of anti-Semitism — from Eichmann's persona.

The New Yorker

The words actually work better spoken aloud, where they can give an impression of intellectual fireworks while the actual sense matters less.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Only convention makes the actual sense-faculties, for example, real, and success or failure experienced in a dream, for example, false.

SEP

So the actual sensed energy is and is less than.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

In the second case, is the actual sensed result plus.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Therefore, we employ the normal assumption N (R0,δ2) on the distribution of the actual sensing range.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In the first case, is the actual sensed result, which means that is greater than.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actual sense" to clarify when you want to emphasize the literal or primary meaning of something, especially when there's a risk of misinterpretation or figurative understanding. For example: "While the poem might seem metaphorical, its "actual sense" is quite straightforward."

Common error

Avoid using "actual sense" too frequently in formal or academic writing; consider more sophisticated synonyms like "literal interpretation" or "precise meaning" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actual sense" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or as a complement to a verb. Ludwig AI validates this usage across diverse examples, confirming its role in specifying the literal or factual meaning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actual sense" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to emphasize the literal or factual meaning of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While its usage is common, be mindful of potentially more sophisticated synonyms in highly formal writing. Remember that the phrase serves to clarify understanding and is most useful when contrasting literal with figurative interpretations. By understanding the best practices and typical pitfalls, you can confidently use "actual sense" to convey clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

literal meaning

Focuses on the direct, non-figurative meaning.

real significance

Emphasizes the genuine importance or value.

true import

Highlights the authentic underlying meaning.

genuine understanding

Stresses a sincere and accurate comprehension.

precise denotation

Focuses on the exact dictionary definition.

factual interpretation

Highlights an understanding based on facts.

underlying reality

Emphasizes the truth beneath appearances.

core essence

Focuses on the most fundamental and vital aspect.

basic substance

Stresses the essential or fundamental part.

definitive explanation

Emphasizes a final and authoritative understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "actual sense" in a sentence?

Use "actual sense" to emphasize the literal or factual meaning, contrasting it with figurative or implied meanings. For instance, "Despite the complex metaphors, the "actual sense" of the author's argument is quite simple."

What are some alternatives to "actual sense"?

You can use alternatives like "literal meaning", "true significance", or "genuine understanding" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "actual sense of reality"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "actual sense of reality" can be redundant. "Sense of reality" often implies an "actual" understanding. Consider simplifying to just "sense of reality" unless you need to emphasize its factuality.

What's the difference between "actual sense" and "common sense"?

"Actual sense" refers to the literal meaning or real significance of something, while "common sense" refers to sound practical judgment. They relate to different aspects of understanding.