is actually that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is actually that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify or emphasize a point, often in a context where a misconception or assumption is being addressed. Example: "Many people think the solution is complicated, but the truth is actually that it is quite simple."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Is this sentence really something that is actually that far-fetched?

Huffington Post

"My gut-feel is actually that I'm not spreading us thin enough," Mr Chambers says.

The Economist

– the case in point is actually that of a nonhuman animal.

The Guardian - Books

"The outrage is actually that it is disrespectful," says De Castro.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Not everybody that plays an instrument is actually that interesting," Mr. Costello said.

The New York Times - Arts

The truth is actually that he had never had the dressing room.

The Guardian - Sport

Your long answer is actually that even the Haggler had a hard time getting a short answer from Samsung.

The New York Times

"With most people the biggest problem with going nude in public is actually that first step," he says.

The Guardian - Arts

Three of them, initially, after Thorpe realised Banks is actually that most-maligned of bowlers: a right-handed finger spinner.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But it's actually that.

The New Yorker

But it was actually that simple.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is actually that", ensure that the context provides a clear contrast between what is commonly believed and what is actually the case, enhancing the phrase's effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "is actually that" excessively in your writing, as it can lose its emphasis and make your tone sound repetitive. Use it sparingly to highlight truly surprising or clarifying information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is actually that" functions as a clarifier or emphasizer, often used to introduce a fact that contrasts with a previous statement or common belief. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts to highlight the true state of affairs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

20%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is actually that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce clarifying or surprising information. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's essential for adding emphasis and correction, overuse can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "in fact that" or "is truly that" to maintain variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in reality that

Replaces "actually" with "in reality", emphasizing the truth or factual nature of the statement.

is in fact that

Substitutes "actually" with "in fact", providing a slightly more formal tone while affirming the statement.

is truly that

Uses "truly" instead of "actually" to convey sincerity and genuine confirmation.

is genuinely that

Replaces "actually" with "genuinely", highlighting the authentic or real nature of the statement.

is really that

Substitutes "actually" with "really", offering a more informal yet emphatic confirmation.

is demonstrably that

Emphasizes that the statement can be proven or shown to be true, adding a layer of certainty.

is verifiably that

Indicates that the statement can be checked or confirmed, providing a sense of reliability.

is undeniably that

Replaces "actually" with "undeniably", stressing that the statement cannot be disputed.

is conclusively that

Highlights that the statement is the result of a final decision or judgment, adding a sense of resolution.

is assuredly that

Substitutes "actually" with "assuredly", providing a formal and confident confirmation.

FAQs

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

Use "is actually that" to introduce a fact or truth that might be surprising or contrary to popular belief. For example: "Many people think this is a complex issue, but the solution "is actually that" it's quite simple."

What are some alternatives to "is actually that"?

You can use phrases like "in fact that", "in reality that", or "is truly that" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more formal to say "is actually that" or "is in fact that"?

"In fact that" is generally considered more formal than "is actually that". "Is actually that" is suitable for most contexts, while "in fact that" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "is actually that" and "is really that"?

The difference is subtle. "Is really that" conveys a sense of surprise or emphasis, while "is actually that" focuses more on clarifying a fact or correcting a misconception. Both are acceptable but carry slightly different tones.