are not actually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not actually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify or emphasize a point, often to counter a misconception or assumption. Example: "Many people believe that all fruits are sweet, but some, like lemons, are not actually sweet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they are not actually happening.

The New Yorker

But these claims are not actually incompatible.

The New York Times - Books

They are not actually really political.

The New York Times

Most rare earths are not actually rare.

The New York Times

They are not actually restaurant-trained.

The New York Times - Food

However, lymph nodes are not actually glands.

Harvard University

However, they are not actually synonymous.

Britannica

These are not actually strings, they're opaque 3D syntax elements.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Yet the "closed" tanks are not actually empty.

The New York Times

Boldface capitals, though thick, are not actually loud.

The New Yorker

These are not actually snakes; they are serpents.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not actually" to correct misconceptions or clarify information that is often misunderstood. For example, "Rocky Mountain Oysters are not actually oysters."

Common error

Avoid using "actually" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound condescending or repetitive. Consider alternatives like "really", "truly", or simply stating the fact without the intensifier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not actually" functions as a qualifier or corrective, used to clarify that something is different from what is commonly believed or perceived. It serves to introduce accurate information and correct misconceptions, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

29%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not actually" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to correct misconceptions or clarify information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to highlight the difference between perception and reality. Appearing commonly in News & Media and Science, it functions as a qualifier, providing clarity and accuracy. While other alternatives such as "are not really" or "are not truly" exist, the phrase "are not actually" provides a specific emphasis on the difference between assumption and fact. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding condescending, focusing on providing clarity rather than correction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not really

Replaces "actually" with "really", slightly reducing the emphasis.

are not truly

Substitutes "actually" with "truly", implying a higher degree of authenticity.

are not genuinely

Uses "genuinely" instead of "actually", suggesting sincerity or authenticity is lacking.

are not in reality

Replaces "actually" with "in reality", adding a layer of emphasis on the true state of affairs.

do not in fact

Emphasizes the truth of a statement that contrasts with expectations.

are not precisely

Uses "precisely" to indicate a lack of exactness or accuracy.

are not technically

Indicates that something doesn't meet the strict definition, even if it appears to.

are not accurately

Focuses on the lack of accuracy in a description or representation.

are falsely

Highlights that something is incorrect or misleading.

are mistakenly

Suggests that something is believed in error.

FAQs

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

Use "are not actually" to correct a common misconception or to clarify a point. For example, "While they seem similar, those two concepts "are not actually" related."

What's a good substitute for "are not actually"?

Alternatives include "are not really", "are not truly", or "are not genuinely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "actually" after "not"?

While some may perceive it as slightly redundant, using "actually" after "not" adds emphasis and clarity, particularly when addressing a common misunderstanding. Ludwig AI highlights that it is grammatically correct and frequently employed.

What's the difference between "are not actually" and "are not technically"?

"Are not actually" generally corrects a factual error or misconception, while "are not technically" implies something doesn't meet a specific definition or standard. For instance, "Tomatoes "are not actually" vegetables (they're fruits)," versus "Calling it a democracy "are not technically" correct (it's more of an oligarchy)."