is actually

USAGE SUMMARY

"is actually" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is true. For example: "The food at this restaurant is actually quite good."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who is actually right?

The New Yorker

T.U.S.B. is actually empowering.

The New York Times

This is actually happening.

The New Yorker

There is, actually hope.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It still is, actually".

The New York Times - Arts

This is actually serious.

Independent

"Nico is actually... big".

The New York Times - Magazine

"This is actually easier.

The New York Times

Change is actually a strength.

The New York Times

This is actually pretty unusual.

The New York Times

He is actually very professional".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is actually" to introduce information that might be surprising or contrary to common belief, adding emphasis to its veracity. This helps to clarify misunderstandings or correct inaccurate assumptions.

Common error

Avoid using "is actually" in every sentence. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Use it strategically to highlight specific points, not as a filler phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is actually" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or adjective to emphasize the truth or reality of a statement. According to Ludwig, it's used to highlight something that might be surprising or contrary to expectation. It often serves to correct a misconception or provide clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is actually" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the truth of a statement, often when it's surprising or contrary to expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, highlighting its common appearance in news, science, and business writing. While widely used, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain impact and clarity. Consider alternatives like "in fact" or "really" for variety. Remembering these points will help you use "is actually" effectively and appropriately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

really

Adds emphasis to a statement, indicating a higher degree of truth or intensity.

in fact

Directly asserts the truth of a statement, providing a stronger affirmation.

in reality

Emphasizes the truth of a statement, focusing on the actual state of affairs.

as a matter of fact

Highlights the factual basis of a statement, often introducing a surprising or correcting element.

indeed

Confirms or emphasizes a previous statement, often used to express agreement or surprise.

to be precise

Offers a more accurate or detailed version of a previously stated fact.

truly

Emphasizes the truthful nature of a statement, conveying a sense of honesty.

genuinely

Indicates sincerity and authenticity in a statement.

literally

Indicates that a statement should be taken in its exact, non-figurative sense.

veritably

Emphasizes the truth or accuracy of a statement, often used in formal contexts.

FAQs

How to use "is actually" in a sentence?

Use "is actually" to emphasize that something is true or real, often when it might be unexpected or contrary to common belief. For example, "The movie "is actually good", despite the bad reviews."

What can I say instead of "is actually"?

You can use alternatives like "in fact", "really", or "as a matter of fact" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is actually" or "actually is"?

Both "is actually" and "actually is" can be grammatically correct, but "is actually" is more common when you want to emphasize the truth of a statement. The placement often depends on the rhythm and emphasis you want to create in the sentence.

What's the difference between "is actually" and "is technically"?

"Is actually" emphasizes that something is true in reality, often contrary to expectation. "Is technically" indicates that something is true according to a specific set of rules or standards, which might not align with common perception.