actually based

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "actually" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a point and to draw attention to the importance of something. For example, "This problem is actually quite complex and needs to be approached with care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But is it actually based on any evidence?

The Guardian

Sadly, this scene was actually based on a real incident.

The Guardian - Books

It means that Smythson is actually based in a tax haven, or even two tax havens.

The Guardian - Business

Also, nobody knows, or much cares, where the party headquarters are actually based.

The Guardian - Opinion

The baby Jeep is actually based on the chassis of the Fiat 500X.

The Guardian - Tech

Marmite actually based a marketing slogan off this divisiveness: "Love it or hate it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A kind of legitimacy that is not actually based on faith".

The Guardian

My salad is actually based on the classic French frisée aux lardons.

The New York Times - Food

It was a moment when Obama's economic policy was not actually based on responsibility.

The New Yorker

And Van Klaveren and his entire team are actually based on Salford Quays.

The Guardian

What's great about the Earth Harp is it is actually based on string length.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarifying the basis of a claim or idea, use "actually based" to directly indicate its foundation. For instance, "The research is "actually based" on empirical data, not anecdotal evidence."

Common error

Avoid using "actually based" merely as a filler phrase. Ensure it adds specific meaning by highlighting the true foundation or origin of something, rather than just stating the obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually based" functions as an adjectival modifier, clarifying the true foundation or origin of something. Ludwig indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

23%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "actually based" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the genuine foundation or origin of something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly news, science, and general discussions. While alternatives like "essentially derived" or "genuinely rooted" exist, "actually based" offers a straightforward way to clarify the basis of an argument or concept. The key is to avoid overuse and ensure it genuinely adds meaning by highlighting the true foundation, as Ludwig AI signals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

factually originating

Focuses on factual basis, adding a layer of empirical support not necessarily present in "actually based".

genuinely rooted

Replaces "actually based" with synonyms to emphasize authenticity and origin.

essentially derived

Replaces "actually based" with terms that emphasize the fundamental source or origin.

truly stemming from

Changes "actually based" to highlight the origin or cause of something.

fundamentally grounded

Emphasizes a deeper connection and origin compared to "actually based".

authentically originating

Highlights the genuine source or beginning of something, differing from "actually based" in its emphasis on authenticity.

legitimately sourced

Emphasizes the validity and proper origin, diverging from the more general meaning of "actually based".

veritably predicated

A more formal alternative to "actually based", suggesting a logical foundation.

positively arising from

Shifts the focus to how something emerges from a source, instead of simply being based on it.

plainly starting from

Provides a more direct and less formal way of expressing the base or origin, altering the tone of "actually based".

FAQs

What does "actually based" mean?

The phrase "actually based" indicates that something is genuinely founded or derived from a specific source, principle, or idea. It emphasizes the factual basis or origin of something, often in response to a misconception or assumption.

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

You can use "actually based" to clarify the foundation of an argument or concept. For example, "The movie isn't a complete fantasy; it's "factually originating" from real historical events."

What are some alternatives to "actually based"?

Alternatives include phrases like "essentially derived", "truly stemming from", or "genuinely rooted", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When should I use "actually based" instead of "based on"?

Use "actually based" when you want to emphasize the factual or genuine nature of the foundation, often to correct a misunderstanding or provide clarification. "Based on" is more general, while "actually based" adds emphasis.