but actually that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but actually that" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be used in informal spoken contexts to introduce a contrast or clarification, but it lacks clarity in writing. Example: "I thought the meeting was at 10, but actually that was for next week."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But actually that makes me like them more".

The New York Times

But actually that wasn't the half of it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But actually, that is exactly what Inside Out is offering.

The Guardian - Film

But actually, that was me being happy, not unhappy".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But actually, that has been a part of Minecraft's beauty.

The Guardian - Tech

But actually that is what the big Australian wants people to forget.

The Guardian - Sport

You are aware of it but actually that is not your job.

Independent

But actually, that turned out to be kind of politically perilous for the Republicans.

The New York Times

I called it a mistake at first, but actually that was an insightful move by Billick.

The New York Times - Sports

But actually that was the only real problem I had until I got to Scotland".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But actually, that is part of what is invigorating about the Booker process.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "but actually that" with more grammatically sound alternatives like "but in fact" or "however" for clearer and more professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but actually that" in formal writing, as it can make your writing sound less polished. Opt for more formal alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but actually that" functions as a conjunction introducing a contrasting or clarifying statement. However, Ludwig AI points out its grammatical awkwardness, suggesting it is more suited to informal speech than formal writing. Examples show it often precedes an explanation or correction of a previous assertion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but actually that" is a frequently used conjunction introducing a contrasting or clarifying statement. However, Ludwig AI marks this phrase as grammatically incorrect for written English. While common in speech and some news contexts, it's best replaced with alternatives like "but in fact", "however", or "yet" in formal writing. This will enhance clarity and maintain a more professional tone. Overreliance on conversational phrases can diminish the perceived quality of written communication, so choosing precise alternatives is crucial for effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but in fact

Replaces "actually that" with a more formal and direct phrase emphasizing the truth.

but in reality

Similar to "but in fact", it highlights the true situation, often contrasting with a prior assumption.

but the truth is

Emphasizes the unveiling of the actual situation, often after a misconception.

but the reality is

Similar to "but the truth is", focusing on the actual state of affairs.

but as a matter of fact

Introduces a statement that may be surprising or contrary to expectations.

however

A simple conjunction that introduces a contrasting statement.

yet

Another concise conjunction indicating contrast or surprise.

nonetheless

A more formal way to express contrast, implying that something happened despite a previous statement.

nevertheless

Similar to "nonetheless", it indicates a contrast that doesn't negate the previous point.

on the contrary

Directly contradicts a previous statement, presenting an opposing view.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "but actually that"?

Alternatives include "but in fact", "however", or "yet". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "but actually that" grammatically correct?

Ludwig AI suggests that "but actually that" is not grammatically correct for written English. While understandable in casual speech, it's best to use clearer and more precise alternatives in writing.

In what kind of writing should I avoid using "but actually that"?

It's best to avoid "but actually that" in formal writing, academic papers, business communications, and any context where precision and clarity are paramount. More formal alternatives like "but in reality" or "nonetheless" are more appropriate.

How can I improve my writing by avoiding phrases like "but actually that"?

Focus on using concise and direct language. Replace vague phrases with specific alternatives that clearly convey your intended meaning. Practicing with alternative phrases can greatly improve your precision.