but actually more

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but actually more" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is greater or more significant than what was previously mentioned or assumed. Example: "The project was challenging, but actually more rewarding than I had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But actually, more men are submissive than women.

Independent

Often some other question is not only easier to answer but actually more interesting!

The New York Times

That's big, but actually more tightly constrained than many other models.

MIT Technology Review

So here's my worry: I'm couching my dissertation work within a nominally trans- or anti-disciplinary (but actually more technology-focused) academic program on a participatory process.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Manual shifts are via the central lever: back for an upshift, forward for down, the reverse of the usual movements but actually more natural.

Independent

First, women experience a loss of interest in sex within a marriage – commonly ascribed to low libido, but actually more a thwarted libido.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Not just taking a stand and thinking about the issues, but actually demanding more – more figures, more data, more information.

The Guardian

Cycads are those odd ancient plants that look like palms but are actually more like modern conifers.

The New York Times - Science

This particular security may be a little more complex, but actually offers more safety.

Forbes

It did meet those expectations, but there was actually more.

University of California, Berkeley

But it's actually more complicated than that.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but actually more" to introduce a clarifying or intensifying point that builds upon a previous statement. It works best when you want to subtly correct a misconception or add crucial information.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "actually". Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your sentence structure for better flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but actually more" functions as a transitional phrase used to introduce a clause that qualifies, clarifies, or intensifies a preceding statement. It suggests that the initial assessment or understanding was incomplete or not entirely accurate, as highlighted by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but actually more" is a versatile phrase used to enhance or correct a previous statement. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase functions as a transition, modifying prior assertions and often revealing unexpected details. While grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts like news, academia, and science, it's essential to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons. Alternatives such as "but in reality more" or "but even more so" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Using "but actually more" strategically adds depth and accuracy to your writing, preventing potential misunderstandings or oversimplifications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but in reality more

Replaces "actually" with "in reality", emphasizing the truth of the subsequent statement.

but even more so

Focuses on intensifying the degree or extent of the statement.

but indeed more

Replaces "actually" with "indeed", strengthening the affirmation.

but rather more

Substitutes "actually" with "rather", suggesting a preference or correction.

but specifically more

Highlights the specific aspect being augmented or corrected.

but fundamentally more

Emphasizes the underlying or essential nature of the subsequent statement.

however, even more

Uses "however" to introduce a contrast and intensifies with "even more".

yet, significantly more

Uses "yet" to introduce a contrast and emphasizes with "significantly more".

but surprisingly more

Adds an element of surprise to the enhanced or corrected statement.

but, to a greater extent

Uses a more formal tone to indicate a larger degree or scope.

FAQs

How can I use "but actually more" in a sentence?

Use "but actually more" to introduce a statement that adds to or subtly corrects a previous point. For example, "The task seemed simple, "but actually more" complex than anticipated."

What are some alternatives to "but actually more"?

Alternatives include "but in reality more", "but even more so", or "but indeed more" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include "actually" in the phrase "but more"?

No, the inclusion of "actually" depends on the context. It adds emphasis and often implies a correction or surprise. Without "actually", the phrase becomes a simpler comparison, such as "but more difficult".

When is it inappropriate to use "but actually more"?

Avoid using "but actually more" when the added information is entirely unrelated to the previous statement or when a direct contrast is needed. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "however" or "on the other hand".