it is actually not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is actually not" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a negation or to clarify that something is not the case, often in response to a misconception or assumption. Example: "Many people think the project is behind schedule, but it is actually not; we are right on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said it was considered "artificial and possibly patronising" to do so because "it is actually not our experience".

BBC

"It is actually not primarily about revenue.

The Guardian

It is actually not more common now.

The Guardian - Business

"It is actually not a kettle any more.

The Guardian - Business

It is actually not family size that drives the policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

This aspect of it is actually not at all invented.

The Guardian - Books

Kiwayu may be remote, but it is actually not all that hard to get to.

The New York Times - Travel

It is actually not a prescriptive diet at all, rather a pattern of eating.

The Guardian

But if you hear these words please don't think The Bolds is a true story because it is actually not!

The Guardian

If we were able to stop and examine it carefully, we may find that it is actually not taking us anywhere that is personally meaningful.

Yale University

This makes sure that the robot does not have any bias in its gyroscope measurements, which would make it think it is rotating when it is actually not.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is actually not" to correct a misunderstanding or to clarify that something is different from what someone might expect. For instance, "The dish looks spicy, but it is actually not." It can add a touch of reassurance or gentle correction.

Common error

Avoid using "it is actually not" simply to add length or perceived emphasis to your writing. If the 'actually' doesn't contribute to clarifying a misunderstanding or correcting an assumption, it might be redundant. Choose stronger wording or remove the "actually" altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is actually not" functions as a modifier used for clarification or contradiction. It typically appears in sentences to correct a misconception or emphasize that a situation is different from what is believed or expected, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is actually not" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to introduce a clarification or correction. Ludwig AI confirms its broad usability across various writing styles. Its usage is particularly frequent in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the 'actually' adds meaningful emphasis, correcting a misunderstanding or contrasting with a prior expectation, to avoid redundancy. Related phrases like "it is not really" or "it is not, in fact" offer similar ways to emphasize a negation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not actually the case

Rephrases the sentence structure while retaining the core meaning and emphasis on negation.

it is not really

Simplifies the phrase by removing "actually" but maintains the basic negation.

it isn't in reality

Emphasizes that the true situation differs from perception.

it is not, in fact

Uses "in fact" to highlight the contrast between assumption and reality.

the truth is it's not

Introduces the statement as a revelation of the actual situation.

it simply is not

Highlights the negation using "simply" for emphasis.

that's not the reality

Shifts focus to the discrepancy between perceived and actual circumstances.

it does not really happen

Focuses on the lack of occurrence.

it's far from being

Emphasizes that something is the opposite of what's expected.

contrary to popular belief, it is not

Directly contradicts a common misconception.

FAQs

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

Use "it is actually not" to clarify that something is different from what is expected or commonly believed. For example, "The work is daunting but "it is actually not" as difficult as it seems".

What are some alternatives to "it is actually not"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is not really", "it isn't in reality", or "it is not, in fact", which can provide a similar nuance of correction or clarification.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "it is actually not" is more common and flows more naturally in most contexts. The placement of "actually" before "not" tends to emphasize the correction or clarification more strongly.

When should I avoid using "it is actually not"?

Avoid using "it is actually not" when the "actually" adds no value to the sentence, such as when the negation is already clear. In these cases, a simpler "it is not" is often more effective.