actually what it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actually what it" is not correct and is incomplete in written English.
It may be used in informal contexts, but it requires additional words to form a complete thought or sentence. Example: "I don't think that's actually what it means."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"The product is actually what it is.

The Guardian

So, however they perceive it, is actually what it is.

The New York Times - Arts

Actually, what it has done is make everybody go schtum.

The Guardian - Film

Now you tell me that, actually, what it needs is kasha?" His distress was palpable.

The New Yorker

"I couldn't imagine, actually, what it would be like where you're in the limelight at a young age".

The New York Times - Sports

"We have had, obviously, as you might imagine, lots of communication between us, but actually what it rests on is a very strong mutual confidence," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"No one denies that Triumph of the Will is incredibly well made and that's actually what made it dangerous.

BBC

But if a soap doesn't hold up that mirror, then actually, what is it?

Wikipedia

It's actually, as is everything these days, digitized so that you can actually see what it looks like.

Yale University

When you squint, it's actually doing what it describes.

The New York Times - Books

"I don't actually know what it's about".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the phrase "actually what it" is followed by a verb or clause to complete the thought and provide grammatical correctness. For example, use "actually what it means" or "actually what it does" to create a complete sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "actually what it" as a standalone phrase, as it lacks a clear meaning without additional context. Make sure to include a verb and any necessary objects or complements to form a complete and coherent sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually what it" typically functions as an introductory clause that requires further words to complete the thought. It sets up a clarification or explanation, but it needs a verb and additional context to form a complete sentence, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actually what it" is a phrase frequently used to introduce a clarification or explanation. However, Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase is often grammatically incomplete and requires additional words to form a coherent thought. It commonly appears in news, academic and scientific contexts. To ensure proper usage, complete the phrase with a verb and context, such as "actually what it means" or "actually what it does". While common, be mindful of its informal nature and ensure complete grammatical structure for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exactly what it

Substitutes "actually" with "exactly" to emphasize precision and accuracy.

truly what it

Replaces "actually" with "truly" to convey genuineness and authenticity.

really what it

Uses "really" instead of "actually" to express the genuine nature of something.

essentially what it

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of something.

basically what it

Highlights the core or fundamental aspect.

precisely what it

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness.

fundamentally what it

Highlights the underlying or foundational aspect.

genuinely what it

Expresses the authentic and real nature of something.

veritably what it

Highlights the true nature of something.

in reality what it

Shifts the focus to the factual or real situation.

FAQs

How can I use "actually what it" correctly in a sentence?

The phrase "actually what it" needs completion to form a grammatically sound sentence. For instance, you can say, "That's "actually what it means"" or "This is "actually what it does"".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "actually what it"?

Similar phrases include "really what it", "truly what it", and "exactly what it". The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "actually what it" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase "actually what it" tends to lean towards informal language due to its often incomplete grammatical structure. In formal writing, it's advisable to use more precise and complete phrasing.

What's the difference between "actually what it is" and "what it actually is"?

"Actually what it is" often introduces a clarification, while "what it actually is" emphasizes the reality or truth of something. Reordering the words can shift the emphasis within the sentence.