is actually not

USAGE SUMMARY

'is actually not' is a perfectly acceptable phrase and can be used in written English.
For example: "The situation is actually not as dire as it may first appear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is actually not a good idea".

The New Yorker

Simple is actually not a bank.

The New York Times - Tech

This talking point is actually not correct.

The New York Times

The answer is actually not so obvious.

The New York Times

"That is actually not bad.

The Guardian - Books

"This is actually not earthenware.

The Guardian - Books

The why is actually not so difficult.

The New Yorker

"It is actually not primarily about revenue.

The Guardian

It is actually not more common now.

The Guardian - Business

The traffic is actually not so bad.

The Guardian - Travel

"Music is actually not that great," she says.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is actually not", ensure that the corrected statement is supported by evidence or logical reasoning. This adds credibility to your assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "actually" excessively as it can make your writing sound defensive or condescending. Vary your language with alternatives like "in fact", "indeed", or "really" to maintain a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is actually not" functions as a corrective or clarifying element within a sentence. It serves to dispute a previous assumption or statement, offering a more accurate perspective. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is actually not" is a common and grammatically correct way to offer a clarification or correction, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, but overusing "actually" can make writing sound defensive. Alternatives like "is not really" or "in fact not" can provide variety. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to refine understanding by disputing assumptions and providing accurate perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not really

Emphasizes the difference between appearance and reality.

is in fact not

Adds formality and emphasis to the negation.

is not truly

Highlights that something doesn't meet the standard definition.

does not really

Shifts the negation to the action or verb.

is simply not

Indicates that something does not meet certain criteria or expectations.

is not precisely

Suggests a minor inaccuracy or a need for clarification.

is technically not

Indicates that something does not satisfy strict requirements.

is essentially not

Implies a fundamental difference or absence.

is by no means

Emphasizes the negation strongly.

is far from

Highlights that something is not close to being true or accurate.

FAQs

How can I use "is actually not" in a sentence?

The phrase "is actually not" is used to correct or clarify a statement. For example: "The problem "is actually not" as severe as it seems."

What are some alternatives to "is actually not"?

Alternatives include "is not really", "is in fact not", or "is not truly", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is not actually" or "is actually not"?

"Is actually not" is more common and generally sounds more natural than "is not actually". However, both are grammatically correct, and the choice depends on emphasis.

When should I avoid using "is actually not"?

Avoid using "is actually not" when a more direct or assertive correction is needed. In some formal contexts, a more concise statement might be preferable.