actually we are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actually we are" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify or emphasize a point, often in response to a misconception or assumption. Example: "Many people think we are not involved in the project, but actually we are working closely with the team to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Actually, we are in Jefferson," she admitted.

The New Yorker

So actually we are working harder and making less.

The New York Times

Actually we are losing our hard-won rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

We think we are the observers, but actually we are the observed.

The New York Times

"Actually, we are very grateful for the role Tibetan monks played in the relief effort".

The New York Times

"There are so many applications that actually we are somehow limited by our fantasy," said Paolucci.

The Guardian

Actually, we are in the process [of expanding] our plant capacity".

The Guardian

Actually, we are living through a golden age of TV, and certainly British drama.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But I think actually we are stronger as a result of having been through this experience.

The Guardian

Actually we are seeing huge gaps between women and men, and also between rich and poor.

The Guardian

"We go into this round of three games where, actually, we are the underdogs.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actually we are" to gently correct a misconception or provide a clarifying detail. For example: "You might think we're finished, but actually we are just getting started."

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "actually", as it can sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "in fact" or "as a matter of fact" to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually we are" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a statement that often clarifies or corrects a previous assumption. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is used to present a factual or alternative perspective, similar to examples found in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "actually we are" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used expression for providing clarification or correction. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across diverse contexts. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various settings from news articles to everyday conversation. The phrase is frequently found in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to correct gently without overusing "actually" to avoid sounding repetitive. Alternative phrases like "in fact we are" or "indeed we are" can be employed for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indeed we are

Replaces "actually" with "indeed" to emphasize agreement or confirmation.

really we are

Substitutes "actually" with "really" to convey genuine affirmation or surprise.

in fact we are

Uses "in fact" instead of "actually" for a slightly more formal tone, emphasizing the truth of the statement.

truly we are

Employs "truly" to add a sense of sincerity and honesty to the affirmation.

honestly we are

Replaces "actually" with "honestly" to express candor and openness.

in reality we are

Uses "in reality" to contrast with a perceived or assumed situation.

to be honest we are

Adds "to be honest" to preface the statement, indicating a forthcoming candid remark.

as a matter of fact we are

Introduces a slightly more emphatic tone, highlighting the factual nature of the statement.

the truth is we are

Emphasizes the revelation of the truth, often implying a previous misunderstanding.

if I'm being honest we are

Provides a qualification of sincerity, suggesting a personal perspective on the matter.

FAQs

How can I use "actually we are" in a sentence?

You can use "actually we are" to politely correct a misunderstanding or to introduce a clarification. For example, "Many people assume we're finished with the project, but "actually we are" still working on it."

What phrases are similar to "actually we are"?

Similar phrases include "in fact we are", "indeed we are", and "really we are". These can be used to express agreement or to emphasize a point.

Is it grammatically correct to use "actually we are"?

Yes, "actually we are" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English to introduce a factual statement or correction.

When is it best to use "actually we are" instead of other similar phrases?

Use "actually we are" when you want to gently correct a misconception or provide a factual clarification. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Phrases like "in reality we are" or "to be honest we are" might be more appropriate if you want to emphasize the truth or express candor.