it has actually been

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has actually been" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to emphasize or confirm something that may be surprising or unexpected. Example: It has actually been three years since I last saw him. This sentence emphasizes the length of time that has passed since seeing the person and suggests that it feels like a longer time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But despite the Texas program's rocky start, state officials say it has actually been quite successful — surpassing its goal of weatherizing more than 38,000 homes and creating more than 1,000 jobs across the state.

The New York Times

Since UberX came to London, it has actually been very difficult to objectively measure its impact on the black cab trade.

The Guardian - Tech

It has actually been keeping El Niño at bay since its formation in October and causing California's on-and-off rainfall.

Los Angeles Times

(It has actually been cut more than 50 percent).

The New York Times

This season, with the Yankees, it has actually been worse.

The New York Times - Sports

Whisper it, but it has actually been a bit good.

The Guardian - Sport

(It has actually been around for four years now).

The New York Times

Yet more than two-thirds of it has actually been created by individual consumers.

MIT Technology Review

And like couscous, it has actually been available in the United States for decades.

The New York Times - Magazine

And up to now, almost none of it has actually been paid.

The New York Times

Details about how it works, and how it has actually been used, remain tightly-guarded state secrets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has actually been" to introduce a fact that might be surprising or contrary to what someone expects. This can add emphasis to your statement and engage the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it has actually been" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and insincere. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms or restructuring your sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has actually been" functions as an emphatic declarative statement. It introduces a fact or situation, often one that might be unexpected or contrary to a prior belief. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and emphasizes the information being presented.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has actually been" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize or clarify a fact, often one that is surprising or contrary to expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and used across diverse contexts. While particularly common in "News & Media" and "Science", it maintains a neutral register suitable for both professional and informal communication. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid repetitiveness and to vary your language with alternatives such as "in fact it has been" or "it turns out to be". Overall, it's a useful phrase for adding emphasis and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has in fact been

Replaces "actually" with "in fact" for a slightly more formal tone, emphasizing the truth of the statement.

it has really been

Substitutes "actually" with "really", conveying a sense of surprise or emphasis on the degree.

it has genuinely been

Replaces "actually" with "genuinely", emphasizing the authenticity of the statement.

it has truly been

Emphasizes the statement's veracity using "truly" instead of "actually".

it turns out to be

Shifts the focus to a discovery or revelation, implying an unexpected outcome.

it now appears to be

Indicates a conclusion based on new evidence or a change in understanding.

it is now known to be

Presents the information as an established fact, differing slightly from the more conversational tone of the original.

it has come to light that

Introduces new or previously unknown information, adding a sense of discovery.

upon closer inspection, it is

Emphasizes the need for a detailed examination to reach the stated conclusion.

the reality is that it has been

Introduces a blunt statement of truth, often contrasting with a prior misconception.

FAQs

How can I use "it has actually been" in a sentence?

Use "it has actually been" to introduce a fact that might be unexpected or surprising. For example, "Despite initial concerns, "it has actually been" a very successful project".

What phrases are similar to "it has actually been"?

Alternatives include "in fact it has been", "really it has been", or "genuinely it has been", which offer similar emphasis but with subtle differences in tone.

When should I use "it has actually been" instead of "it has been"?

Use "it has actually been" when you want to highlight a surprising or unexpected element of the situation. Simply saying "it has been" is a more neutral statement.

Is "it has actually been" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase "it has actually been" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in spoken or written communication than in highly formal academic writing.