actually are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actually are" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is true or is really happening, as in the sentence: “We actually are making progress towards our goal.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They actually are quite durable.

The Guardian

Sometimes they actually are sweet.

The New York Times - Food

Actually, are you free tonight?

The New Yorker

These actually are amazing.

The New York Times

They actually are insane.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"They actually are teams".

The New York Times

And some of them actually are free.

The New York Times - Tech

So we actually are getting it out.

The Guardian

They actually are self-employed.

The Guardian

But how many actually are?

The Guardian

What actually are his convictions?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actually are" to emphasize the truth or reality of a situation, especially when there might be doubt or disbelief. For instance, "The rumors are true; they "actually are" getting married."

Common error

While "actually are" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal contexts where a more sophisticated synonym like "indeed are" or "veritably are" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually are" functions as an emphatic assertion. It is used to underscore the reality or truth of a statement, often in response to doubt or disbelief. Ludwig shows its usage in various contexts, reinforcing its function as an intensifier.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

26%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actually are" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to emphasize the truth or reality of a statement. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. While its register leans towards neutral to informal, it's best to consider more formal alternatives like "indeed are" or "veritably are" in highly professional or academic settings. When aiming to convey certainty and counter potential doubt, "actually are" is a reliable choice, as demonstrated by its frequent appearance in news, media, and even scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in reality are

Replaces "actually" with "in reality", emphasizing the truthfulness of the statement.

truly are

Substitutes "actually" with "truly", highlighting the genuine nature of the subject.

really are

Replaces "actually" with "really", offering a more casual tone.

genuinely are

Replaces "actually" with "genuinely", stressing the authenticity of the statement.

factually are

Substitutes "actually" with "factually", emphasizing the statement's basis in fact.

in fact are

Replaces "actually" with "in fact", highlighting the reality of the situation.

legitimately are

Replaces "actually" with "legitimately", suggesting something is within the bounds of law or acceptance.

veritably are

Substitutes "actually" with "veritably", offering a more formal and emphatic tone.

categorically are

Replaces "actually" with "categorically", stressing the lack of exceptions to the statement.

positively are

Substitutes "actually" with "positively", indicating certainty about the statement.

FAQs

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

You can use "actually are" to emphasize a point that might be surprising or contrary to what is expected. For example, "Despite their reputation, these snakes "actually are" harmless."

What are some alternatives to "actually are"?

Some alternatives to "actually are" include "really are", "truly are", and "in fact are". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

Is it ever incorrect to use "actually are"?

While grammatically correct, "actually are" might sound less sophisticated in very formal writing. Consider using alternatives like "indeed are" or "veritably are" for a more polished tone.

What's the difference between "actually are" and "seem to be"?

"Actually are" asserts a fact, while "seem to be" suggests an appearance that might not be accurate. For example, "They "actually are" millionaires" means they are in fact millionaires, whereas "They seem to be millionaires" implies they give the impression of being millionaires, whether or not it's true.