is actually interesting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is actually interesting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is genuinely engaging or captivating, often in contrast to a prior assumption or expectation. Example: "At first, I thought the documentary would be boring, but it is actually interesting and full of surprising facts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Ingress players can even read brief summaries of why the point of interest is actually interesting, a feature which is yet to roll out to Pokémon players.

The Guardian - Tech

"The work is actually interesting".

The Guardian

The model is actually interesting because she is not Clio.

The New York Times - Arts

She hadn't missed a single renewal — "which is actually interesting," he said.

The New Yorker

"We're all chemicals, there must be some way on some level that this is actually interesting".

The Guardian

How he did this is actually interesting, in view of how he has gone about his job at the Treasury.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Jordan Roth "The Rocky Horror Show" It's actually interesting.

The New York Times

But Mr. Barrasso's remarks were actually interesting, although not in the way he intended.

The New York Times

It's actually interesting because it's only a congressman for about five months.

The Washington Post

TODD ROSE: So when I started writing the book, I was actually interesting that exact question.

Harvard Business Review

It's actually interesting that [the playwright] Richard Greenberg had his finger on the pulse of that subject matter 10 years ago.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is actually interesting", ensure that the context provides a clear contrast or element of surprise for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid overuse in highly formal writing, as it can sound less sophisticated. Consider stronger synonyms like "intriguing" or "compelling" for professional reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is actually interesting" functions as a subject complement, attributing a quality to the subject. It indicates that the subject possesses the characteristic of being interesting, often with an element of surprise. Ludwig confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is actually interesting" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that conveys surprise or a contrast to initial expectations regarding the engaging nature of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase functions as a subject complement, expressing an opinion or evaluation. While suitable for various contexts, including news and media, and academia, it may be less appropriate in highly formal writing where synonyms like "intriguing" or "compelling" might be preferred. Common usage includes emphasizing unexpected appeal or highlighting something's captivating qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is surprisingly engaging

Highlights the unexpected quality of being captivating, putting emphasis on the engaging aspect.

is unexpectedly compelling

Similar to "is surprisingly engaging" but with a stronger emphasis on the irresistible nature.

is more captivating than expected

Directly contrasts initial expectations with the reality of being captivating.

turns out to be fascinating

Indicates a surprising discovery of something captivating, shifting the focus to the revelation.

holds a surprising level of interest

Focuses on the degree of interest something possesses, adding a quantitative aspect.

proves to be quite intriguing

Replaces "is actually interesting" with a more formal tone, emphasizing unexpected intrigue.

reveals itself to be quite absorbing

Highlights the process of discovery, suggesting something gradually becomes highly engaging.

offers unexpected appeal

Emphasizes the provision of something attractive that wasn't anticipated, altering the grammatical structure.

possesses an unanticipated allure

Shifts the focus to the inherent attractiveness, indicating it was not foreseen.

is remarkably thought-provoking

Emphasizes the stimulating and reflective quality, focusing on intellectual engagement.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "is actually interesting"?

You can use alternatives like "proves to be quite intriguing", "is surprisingly engaging", or "turns out to be fascinating depending on the context.

How can I use "is actually interesting" in a sentence?

Use "is actually interesting" to express surprise or a contrast to initial expectations, such as, "Despite its complex subject matter, the book is actually interesting and easy to follow."

Is "is actually interesting" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is actually interesting" might be perceived as less sophisticated in formal writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "intriguing" or "compelling" in such contexts.

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

"Is actually interesting" implies a contrast or surprise, suggesting that something is more engaging than initially expected. "Is interesting" is a more general statement without the implication of surprise.