actually waiting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actually waiting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that someone is genuinely or truly waiting for something or someone, often in contrast to a previous assumption or statement. Example: "I thought you had left, but I see you are actually waiting for the bus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

He was actually waiting for a throw.

The New York Times - Sports

In fact, what's wrong with actually waiting until you've got a stable relationship before having babies?

Independent

"You mean, people are actually waiting in line to see Larry Hagman?

The New York Times - Arts

They weren't even hoping someone would find him – they were actually waiting for him to die.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the last attack of the 12-year-old he was actually waiting inside her house when she got home".

The New York Times

Not to mention all those other colleges that must now be applied to -- "a pain," Hilary says, "while you're actually waiting and not knowing at the same time".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Actually, wait.

The Guardian - Sport

Actually, wait, here's one.

The New Yorker

At Umami, someone actually waits on you.

The New York Times

Actually, wait — everything here is just so CUTE!

The New York Times

Actually, wait, suddenly that commissioning decision makes perfect sense.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actually waiting" to emphasize that someone's waiting is real and not just perceived or assumed. This adds a layer of sincerity or surprise to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "actually waiting" in every context where waiting is mentioned. Overusing "actually" can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Use it judiciously to highlight specific instances where the waiting is noteworthy or unexpected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually waiting" functions as an adverbial modifier emphasizing the verb "waiting". It highlights the genuineness and reality of the action. As shown by Ludwig, it underscores that someone is truly in the act of waiting, often contrary to expectation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "actually waiting" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the genuineness of someone's waiting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it often serves to highlight a situation that might be unexpected or contrary to a prior assumption. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it is also used in more informal settings. When writing, use "actually waiting" judiciously to emphasize the reality of a waiting situation without overusing the word "actually". Alternatives such as "really waiting" or "truly waiting" can provide similar emphasis with slightly different tones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

really waiting

Replaces "actually" with "really" to provide a slightly less formal emphasis on the genuineness of waiting.

truly waiting

Substitutes "actually" with "truly", conveying a more sincere and emphatic sense of genuine waiting.

genuinely waiting

Replaces "actually" with "genuinely", highlighting the authentic nature of the waiting.

in fact waiting

Uses "in fact" to introduce the waiting as a confirmation or a correction to a prior assumption.

literally waiting

Replaces "actually" with "literally" to emphasize that the waiting is happening in a direct and non-exaggerated way.

indeed waiting

Swaps "actually" for "indeed", adding a formal tone while still affirming the act of waiting.

veritably waiting

Employs "veritably" instead of "actually", adding a more old-fashioned and emphatic tone to the affirmation of waiting.

positively waiting

Uses "positively" to underscore the certainty and reality of the waiting.

plainly waiting

Replaces "actually" with "plainly", suggesting the waiting is obvious and evident.

unquestionably waiting

Substitutes "actually" with "unquestionably", indicating that there is no doubt about the fact of waiting.

FAQs

What does "actually waiting" mean?

The phrase "actually waiting" emphasizes that someone is genuinely in the process of waiting. It's used to confirm the reality of the situation, often when there might be doubt or surprise.

When is it appropriate to use "actually waiting"?

Use "actually waiting" when you want to highlight that someone's waiting is real or unexpected. It adds emphasis and clarifies the situation, especially when contrasting it with a previous assumption or possibility.

Are there alternatives to "actually waiting"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "really waiting", "truly waiting", or "genuinely waiting" to convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to achieve.

Is "actually waiting" formal or informal?

"Actually waiting" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it's more commonly found in conversational or journalistic writing rather than highly formal academic texts.