actually not

USAGE SUMMARY

"actually not" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize disagreement or to draw attention to a contrast. For example, you could say "I thought that I would finish the report quickly, but actually not."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Actually, not.

The New York Times

Actually not.

Yale University

Actually, not quite.

The Economist

Actually, not so fast.

The New York Times

But it's actually not".

The New Yorker

We're actually not bad".

The New York Times

Actually, not so clear.

The New York Times

Actually, not at all.

The New York Times

Actually, not quite it.

The New York Times

Or, actually, not.

The New York Times

YOUR ("unalterable") Actually not.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "actually not", ensure the context clearly establishes what you are negating or contrasting.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid overusing "actually not" in formal documents where more precise or authoritative language may be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually not" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a preceding statement to introduce a correction or contradiction. It serves to soften the disagreement, as evidenced by Ludwig, while still making a clear distinction. Ludwig AI highlights that it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actually not" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase employed to introduce a correction or contrast with a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally considered correct in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide audience, though perhaps less appropriate in highly formal settings. Remember to use it to soften disagreements or introduce nuanced corrections, and avoid overuse in formal documents for a more professional tone. It is a good alternative to "not really" or "not quite".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not at all

Expresses a strong disagreement or denial; similar in strength to "actually not at all".

not really

Indicates a qualified disagreement; less direct than "actually not".

not quite

Suggests something is close but doesn't fully meet a certain condition; similar to "actually not quite".

not exactly

Indicates that something is only partially true or accurate; gentler than "actually not".

in fact, no

Emphasizes the reality is contrary to what was stated or implied; stronger than "actually not".

as a matter of fact, no

Introduces a statement that clarifies or corrects a previous one, offering a firmer disagreement.

the truth is no

Introduces a statement meant to reveal what's genuinely the case, often to correct a misconception.

on the contrary

States the opposite of what has been said; more formal and emphatic.

no, that's not the case

Directly negates a preceding statement, clarifying a misunderstanding.

that's incorrect

States directly that something is wrong; more blunt and less nuanced.

FAQs

How can I use "actually not" in a sentence?

You can use "actually not" to introduce a correction or disagreement, for example: "I thought I would enjoy the movie, but "actually not"."

What's a more formal alternative to "actually not"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "in fact, no", "on the contrary", or "that is incorrect" instead of "actually not".

Is it ever incorrect to use "actually not"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "actually not" in formal writing may detract from a professional tone. Consider the audience and context.

What does "actually not" emphasize in a statement?

"Actually not" emphasizes that the reality is different from what was expected or previously stated.