it is actually

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is actually" is a perfectly acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to emphasize the truth or accuracy of a statement which may otherwise seem surprising or unlikely. For example: "It is actually more difficult to master a foreign language as an adult than as a child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is actually more comprehensive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is, actually, terribly offensive.

The New York Times - Food

It is actually about something".

The New York Times - Arts

It is actually the opposite.

The New York Times

Which it is, actually.

The New York Times

It is actually worse".

The Guardian

It is actually evil.

The Guardian

I think it is actually a plus".

The New Yorker

"It is actually very collegial, very constructive.

The New York Times

It is actually selling well in Harare.

The Guardian

It is actually a trifecta of problems.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is actually" to clarify or correct a misunderstanding, adding emphasis to the real situation.

Common error

Avoid using "it is actually" in every sentence. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is actually" functions as an adverbial phrase used to emphasize the truth or reality of a statement. According to Ludwig AI, it is often used to highlight a fact that may be surprising or contrary to a previous assumption. It adds weight and clarity to the assertion being made.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is actually" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the reality of a situation, often when it's surprising or contrary to expectations. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and very common. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it also appears in scientific and academic writing. To avoid sounding repetitive, consider using alternatives like "in reality" or "as a matter of fact". This phrase is a useful tool for adding clarity and emphasis to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in actual fact

A more emphatic version of "in reality".

as a matter of fact

Introduces a statement of fact, often correcting a previous misconception.

in point of fact

Similar to "as a matter of fact" but slightly more formal.

in reality

Focuses on the factual aspect, removing the element of surprise.

the truth is

Directly presents the true state of affairs.

to tell you the truth

Similar to "to be honest", highlighting the speaker's candor.

to be honest

Indicates sincerity and directness in the statement.

as it happens

Indicates that something is true, often surprisingly so.

if truth be told

A more literary and less direct way of revealing the truth.

genuinely

Focuses on the authentic or real nature of something.

FAQs

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

Use "it is actually" to emphasize a surprising or unexpected truth, such as, "While it seems difficult, "it is actually" quite simple once you understand the process."

What are some alternatives to "it is actually"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in reality", "as a matter of fact", or "in actual fact", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is there a difference between "it is actually" and "actually"?

Yes, "it is actually" provides more emphasis and can sometimes be used to correct a misconception, while "actually" can simply introduce a fact or detail. For example, "I thought it would be hard, but "it is actually" easier than I expected" versus "I actually enjoyed the movie."

When should I avoid using "it is actually"?

Avoid using "it is actually" in very formal contexts where a more sophisticated vocabulary is expected, or when the emphasis it provides is unnecessary and could sound condescending.