is not actually

USAGE SUMMARY

"is not actually" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to emphasize a difference between what is expected and what is true. For example, "Despite widespread rumors, I am not actually related to the mayor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Fairness" is not actually defined.

The New York Times

That is not actually true.

The New York Times

"But that is not actually happening.

The New York Times

Your phone is not actually transmitting anything.

The New York Times - Tech

The group is not actually on Facebook.

Independent

"1Q84" is not, actually, a simple story.

The New York Times - Magazine

That is not actually the choice.

The New Yorker

But BankSimple is not actually a bank.

The New York Times

This is not actually the case.

The New York Times

Remember, the moon is not actually blue.

Britannica

It is not actually about making money.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not actually" to correct a misconception or to clarify a point that might be misunderstood. It adds emphasis to the correction.

Common error

Avoid using "actually" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and weaken your message. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not actually" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically emphasizing that something is contrary to what is commonly believed or understood. Ludwig AI confirms its role in clarifying misconceptions or correcting assumptions, as seen in the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is not actually" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that serves to correct misperceptions and provide clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for broad communication. To avoid redundancy, consider alternatives like "is not really" or "is not in fact". Remember to employ this phrase judiciously to emphasize key corrections without overusing it. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not really

Replaces "actually" with "really", maintaining a very similar level of emphasis and meaning.

is not truly

Substitutes "actually" with "truly", slightly increasing the formality.

is not in fact

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

is not genuinely

Uses "genuinely" instead of "actually", suggesting a concern about authenticity.

is not legitimately

Emphasizes the lack of legitimacy, rather than a general discrepancy.

does not really

Changes the verb "is" to "does", requiring a different grammatical structure but conveying a similar meaning.

is not precisely

Replaces "actually" with "precisely", highlighting a lack of exactness.

is not quite

Implies that something is close to being true but falls short.

is not so much

Suggests a re-evaluation of what something truly is, moving away from the initial impression.

is not by any means

Adds a strong emphasis on the falsity of a statement.

FAQs

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

Use "is not actually" to clarify a misunderstanding or to contradict a common belief, such as, "The Earth "is not actually" flat, despite what some people may think."

What are some alternatives to "is not actually"?

You can use alternatives like "is not really", "is not truly", or "is not in fact" depending on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Which is correct, "is not actually" or "is actually not"?

"Is not actually" is the more common and natural-sounding phrasing. "Is actually not" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

What is the difference between "is not actually" and "is not simply"?

"Is not actually" implies a contrast between appearance and reality, while "is not simply" suggests that something is more complex than it seems. For example, "The solution "is not actually" a quick fix" versus "The problem is not simply a matter of money".