but actually then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but actually then" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in informal contexts where someone is trying to clarify or correct a previous statement, but it lacks clarity. Example: "I thought I would go to the party, but actually then I decided to stay home instead."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Don't be swayed by the things you might get like theatre tickets, which are great when you sign up, but actually then you may be paying more for your bank account in the long term than you need to.

BBC

And there have been, very sadly, case reports of exactly this happening – women seeking reassurance from their scan, thinking that they've got a good heartbeat but actually then ending up having a miscarriage or a stillbirth.

BBC

Could we apply some of the user interface design that's more intuitive and used by the consumer tools but actually then use a really powerful technology so it was fit for purpose for an enterprise," says Benigson.

TechCrunch

I mean you know, you think people are going to understand qualitative research but actually then you suddenly realise that they don't, they don't actually understand what it's all about.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

'What will happen is with clinicians is they get to a point where the manager says no just leave them but actually then they'll get into feeling that that means I'm not doing a good job and I feel I can't perform my professional role and so then there's you can't leave it go, you can't leave x, y or z not done….

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's taking up a bit of their shop but they also get good footfall because people come in for information but may actually then buy something".

The Guardian

I think, for me, it's about reflecting on the source of those views but also actually then to think well, how am I going to manage my personal opinions in my professional life and that actually is as much of training and development as learning the physiology and the anatomy.

BBC

We were thinking we could live out in one of the villages, have a bigger house and, more importantly, a bigger garden, but we thought, well actually then you get condemned to driving to the supermarket.

The Guardian

This suggests that farmers are answering what they think they should be doing or maybe have done but a significant proportion actually then appeared to not carry out these measures over the course of our observations.

BMC Veterinary Research

But actually we then had eighteen years of Conservative government and then the huge Labour majorities under Tony Blair, so these things can be hard to forecast.

The Economist

"I'm glad about this turn of events," she writes, "because I was born in 1927, but actually... .. Then she stops.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but actually then", ensure the "but" introduces a genuine contrast to the preceding statement, and "actually then" clarifies a subsequent realization or event. Overuse can make writing sound convoluted; consider simpler alternatives for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "but actually then" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically acceptable, it can sound repetitive or informal. Opt for more concise and direct alternatives like "however" or "subsequently" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "but actually then" is to introduce a contrast to a preceding statement and indicate a subsequent clarification or realization. The "but" signals a shift, while "actually then" specifies the true state or next event. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is acceptable, even if more concise versions might exist.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but actually then" serves to introduce a contrast followed by a clarification or subsequent event. Ludwig AI indicates that while the phrase is acceptable, it can sometimes be improved with more concise alternatives depending on the context and desired level of formality. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science, while it is less common in Encyclopedias, Wikis, and Social Media. The choice of using "but actually then" depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey, keeping in mind that brevity and clarity are often preferred in formal writing. Consider alternatives like ""however subsequently"" for a more streamlined effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but in reality then

Replaces "actually" with "in reality" to emphasize the true state of affairs following an initial perception.

but in fact then

Substitutes "actually" with "in fact" for a slightly more formal tone, highlighting the factual nature of the subsequent event.

however subsequently

Replaces "but actually then" with "however subsequently" for a more formal and concise expression of sequence.

yet afterward

Uses "yet" and "afterward" to indicate a contrast and sequence, providing a simpler alternative.

but as it turned out then

Adds a descriptive element to emphasize the unexpected nature of the event.

though later

Replaces "but actually then" with "though later" for brevity and a slightly less emphatic tone.

but ultimately

Focuses on the final outcome, replacing the sequential aspect with an emphasis on the end result.

but eventually

Emphasizes the passage of time leading to a final outcome.

but upon reflection

Shifts focus to a change in understanding after a period of thought.

however, in retrospect

Introduces a retrospective viewpoint, contrasting with an earlier perspective.

FAQs

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

You can use "but actually then" to introduce a contrasting event or realization that follows a previous statement. For example, "I thought I would enjoy the movie, but actually then I found it quite boring."

What are some alternatives to "but actually then"?

Alternatives include "but in fact then", "however subsequently", or "yet afterward", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but actually then"?

While the phrase is understandable and appears in published content, it's not always the most elegant or concise choice. Ludwig AI suggests it's acceptable but may benefit from a clearer or more direct alternative depending on the context.

What's the difference between "but actually then" and "but then again"?

"But actually then" emphasizes a contrasting event or realization that follows a previous statement, while "but then again" suggests a reconsideration or alternative possibility. They serve different rhetorical purposes.