actually because

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'actually because' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to clarify a cause-and-effect relationship between two ideas. For example: "I decided to take the bus home actually because there was no parking available at the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It succeeds, actually, because of its elegant R. & B. melody.

The New Yorker

"Actually, because of two things," Mr. Rake said.

The New York Times

This is O.K., actually, because there's no measuring the two.

The New Yorker

"It's addictive, actually, because there's so much adrenaline.

The New York Times - Sports

We have to, actually, because there's a lot of engineering.

The New York Times

Maybe the front table, actually, because it's always fresh.

The Guardian - Books

SB Well it is actually, because we cover the club.

The Guardian - Sport

Not quite alone, actually, because she still has a cat.

The Guardian - Books

I'm quite hopeful, actually, because people are fed up.

Harvard Business Review

And today I learned how to dive actually, because I never really learned how to dive.

University of California, Berkeley

It's an interesting puzzle, actually, because we learn neat things about particular protocols.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actually because" to introduce a reason that might be surprising or contrary to what someone might expect. This can help emphasize the unexpected nature of the cause-and-effect relationship.

Common error

While "actually because" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or informal. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "in fact", "indeed", or rephrasing the sentence to avoid direct causal conjunctions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "actually because" is to serve as a causal connector, linking a statement with its reason or explanation. It often introduces a cause that might be unexpected or clarifying. Ludwig shows numerous instances where this phrase clarifies a preceding statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actually because" functions as a causal connector, providing clarification or explanation, often with a touch of surprise or unexpectedness. While grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, it tends to be more prevalent in news, scientific, and academic writing, as highlighted by Ludwig. When aiming for formal prose, consider swapping it with alternative phrases for elevated clarity. Remember, as Ludwig AI validates, its casual nature may not always suit formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in fact because

Similar to "actually", but slightly more formal.

in reality because

Replaces "actually" with "in reality", emphasizing the factual basis for the reason.

more accurately because

Emphasizes the clarification of the reason.

the truth is because

Substitutes "actually" with "the truth is", highlighting a candid explanation.

in actuality since

Combines a synonym for 'actually' with 'since' to express cause.

as a matter of fact because

More emphatic than "actually", stressing the reality of the situation.

the reality is that because

Adds emphasis by explicitly stating 'the reality'.

to be honest because

Indicates sincerity in providing the reason.

it turns out because

Implies a discovery that explains the reason.

the reason being

Omission of "actually because" offers a succinct statement of cause.

FAQs

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

You can use "actually because" to introduce a reason or explanation, often when it's slightly surprising or clarifying. For example, "I enjoyed the movie, "actually because" the plot was very engaging."

What are some alternatives to "actually because"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in fact", "in reality", or simply rephrasing the sentence to use "since" or "as". For instance, instead of "actually because", you could say "since the plot was engaging".

Is it okay to start a sentence with "actually because"?

While grammatically acceptable, starting a sentence with "actually because" can sometimes sound informal. It's often better to integrate the phrase within the sentence for better flow. However, the decision depends on your writing style and context.

What is the difference between "actually because" and "precisely because"?

"Actually because" introduces a reason that might be unexpected or clarifying, whereas "precisely because" emphasizes the exactness or accuracy of the reason. "Precisely because" is used to highlight that a specific reason is the definitive cause.