have actually been

USAGE SUMMARY

"have actually been" is correct and usuable in written English.
You can use "have actually been" when you want to emphasize that something has already happened or been true for some time. For example: "We have actually been friends for more than twenty years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There have actually been far, far more.

The Guardian - Sport

Very few digitally designed structures have actually been built.

The New Yorker

The others have actually been damaged, especially reconciliation.

The New Yorker

Of the rest, few have actually been thrown out.

The Economist

Very few Deriaz turbines, however, have actually been built.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Mashed turnips have actually been a favorite," Ms. Malandrino said.

The New York Times

But few other proposed reforms have actually been implemented.

The Economist

No contaminated products have actually been found on American shelves.

The New York Times

The Yankees have actually been sprinting since late June.

The New York Times - Sports

They have actually been winning the war on costs.

The New York Times

A Mitt Romney victory would have actually been a surprise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have actually been" to emphasize that something is, or has been, the case, especially when it might be surprising or contrary to expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "actually" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and weaken your message. Consider alternatives like "in fact", "really", or simply stating the fact directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have actually been" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase, used to add emphasis or highlight the reality of a situation or state. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have actually been" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to emphasize the truth or reality of a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While its frequency is very common, especially in news and media, it's essential to avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "have in fact been" or "have really been" for variety. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively incorporate the phrase in your writing to add emphasis and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have in fact been

Replaces "actually" with "in fact" for a slightly more formal tone.

have truly been

Emphasizes the genuineness of the state or action.

have genuinely been

Highlights the authentic nature of the state or action.

have really been

Uses "really" instead of "actually" for a more conversational feel.

have demonstrably been

Indicates that something has been proven or shown to be true.

have verifiably been

Implies that something can be confirmed or substantiated.

have consistently been

Focuses on the continuous or repeated nature of the state or action.

have previously been

Indicates that something was true or happened before.

have historically been

Places the state or action in a historical context.

have effectively been

Highlights the practical result or impact of something.

FAQs

How can I use "have actually been" in a sentence?

Use "have actually been" to emphasize a state or action that is true, often when it's surprising or contrary to what's expected. For example, "The rumors "have actually been" proven true."

What phrases are similar to "have actually been"?

Alternatives include "have in fact been", "have truly been", or "have really been", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to use "have actually been"?

Yes, "have actually been" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to add emphasis.

When should I avoid using "have actually been"?

While grammatically sound, avoid overusing "have actually been", as excessive repetition can diminish its impact. Consider more direct phrasing or alternative emphasizing words instead.