actually retired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actually retired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify or emphasize that someone has genuinely stopped working or has left their profession. Example: "After years of dedication to the company, she is now actually retired and enjoying her time traveling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

When Applegate explained that she was "semi-retired," Diaz responded: "I'm semi-retired, too, and I am actually retired, so I would love to see you ladies". .

Huffington Post

"They're actually retired, too," he said.

The New York Times

O'Sullivan, meanwhile, has never actually retired, merely taken sabbaticals.

The Guardian - Sport

He actually retired the last 13 batters he faced.

The New York Times - Sports

"I have actually retired from two life-tenure jobs," he said.

The New York Times

Todd had been cut by the Saints near the end of the recent preseason and had actually retired from football.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

That controversy continues, prompting some of the chief's critics to suggest that he consider the more traditional kind of retirement, in which one actually retires.

The New York Times

There are two assumptions made here: first, that retirement-age boomers will actually retire (these days more and more continue to work, often out of necessity, but effectively squatting in those positions), and second, that the workforce will be structured similar to today.

Vice

However, reaching the eligible retirement age does not mean that workers actually retire.

BMJ Open

The practical impact may be later retirement; figures from the OECD show that, regardless of the official retirement age of 65, the average Japanese male actually retires at 69.

The Economist

Pension advocates say that Washington tends to react only in a crisis, and that this generation's unpreparedness for retirement won't be a crisis until people actually retire and feel the pinch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actually retired" to clarify that someone has genuinely left their profession, especially when there might be doubt or prior announcements of retirement that were not permanent. For example, "He said he was going to retire last year, but this time he is actually retired."

Common error

Avoid using "actually retired" when referring to someone who might return to work or consulting. Instead, use it when the retirement is intended to be a lasting change. Be mindful that "semi-retired" is a different state and doesn't qualify for the use of "actually retired".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually retired" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically clarifying or emphasizing that someone has genuinely ceased working. It often serves to confirm a state that might have been previously uncertain or questioned. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "actually retired" is a common and grammatically correct way to emphasize that someone has genuinely stopped working. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable and is employed to clarify a definitive end to one's professional career. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, followed by Academia, suggesting its use across both general and more formal contexts. While "actually retired" serves a clear communicative purpose, writers should consider the context and audience to ensure it effectively conveys the intended meaning. Remember to avoid using it when referring to someone who might return to work or consulting; instead, use it when the retirement is intended to be a lasting change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formally retired

Emphasizes the official or documented nature of the retirement.

genuinely finished career

Implies an authentic and permanent end to one's professional life.

completely stopped working

Highlights the total cessation of employment.

officially left employment

Stresses the formal departure from a job.

factually ended career

Highlights an event that is a matter of fact.

fully relinquished duties

Focuses on the act of giving up responsibilities.

veritably quit job

Emphasizes the truthfulness of leaving a position.

truly withdrew from labor force

Emphasizes a genuine removal from the workforce.

definitively ceased occupation

Highlights a conclusive end to a job or profession.

honestly concluded employment

Focuses on the sincerity of finishing one's work.

FAQs

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

Use "actually retired" to emphasize that someone has genuinely and definitively stopped working. For instance, "After years of speculation, she's "finally retired" and enjoying her newfound freedom."

What is a more formal way to say "actually retired"?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "formally retired" or "officially relinquished duties" to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "actually retired" in professional writing?

Yes, "actually retired" is appropriate in professional writing when clarifying someone's retirement status. Make sure the context warrants the emphasis on the genuine nature of the retirement. You can also use "completely stopped working".

What's the difference between "actually retired" and "semi-retired"?

"Actually retired" means someone has completely stopped working, whereas "semi-retired" implies they've reduced their work hours or responsibilities but haven't fully stopped working. It is better to use phrases like "partially retired" to define this status.