it is not actually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not actually" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to clarify or correct a misconception or to emphasize that something is different from what it seems. Example: "Many people think the project is behind schedule, but it is not actually delayed; we are ahead of our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not actually about making money.

Independent

Second, it is not actually a mandate.

Yale University

It is not actually based anywhere.

The Guardian

But it is not actually true.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not actually an amusing sight.

The New Yorker

For one thing, it is not actually an income number.

The Guardian

But most important, it is not actually personal.

The New York Times - Arts

But maybe my constant still depends on y so it is not actually a true constant.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This fixation is a way of constraining the mind too, but it is not actually helpful.

Harvard University

(It is not actually native to Sicily, having been imported there a few centuries ago).

The Economist

Finra's unspoken sales pitch is that it is not actually selling anything.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not actually" to politely correct a misconception or clarify that something differs from popular belief. This framing can soften the correction.

Common error

While versatile, overuse of "it is not actually" in casual conversations can sound stilted. Opt for simpler phrases like "it's not really" or "actually, no" for more natural speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not actually" functions as a disclaimer or clarification. It serves to correct a potential misunderstanding or misinterpretation, emphasizing that the reality differs from what might be perceived. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is not actually" is a versatile tool for correcting misconceptions and clarifying information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While effective in formal settings, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual conversation. When using "it is not actually", aim to gently correct misunderstandings and provide a more precise understanding of the topic at hand. Remember, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it serves to bridge the gap between perceived reality and the actual truth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's not really

Replaces "actually" with "really", softening the correction slightly.

it's not truly

Substitutes "actually" with "truly", highlighting authenticity.

that's not quite right

Offers a gentler correction, implying a minor inaccuracy.

it isn't, in reality

Replaces "actually" with "in reality", adding a touch of formality.

the truth is otherwise

Directly states that the reality is different from what's understood.

that's not the case

Offers a more concise contradiction of a prior statement.

it's a misnomer

Indicates that the common term is inaccurate or misleading.

it merely appears to be

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of the initial impression.

contrary to popular belief

Highlights a difference between reality and widespread assumptions.

it's more nuanced than that

Suggests a more complex reality than initially presented.

FAQs

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

Use "it is not actually" to clarify that something is different from how it appears or is commonly believed. For example, "The movie is marketed as a comedy, but "it is not actually" that funny."

What can I say instead of "it is not actually"?

You can use alternatives like "it is not really", "that is not the case", or "it merely appears to be" depending on the context.

Is "it is not actually" the same as "it is not really"?

While similar, ""it is not actually"" often implies a correction of a specific misconception, whereas "it is not really" can be a more general statement about the degree to which something is true.

When is it appropriate to use "contrary to popular belief" instead of "it is not actually"?

"Contrary to popular belief" is best used when you're addressing a widespread assumption, whereas ""it is not actually"" can be used to correct a more specific or localized misunderstanding.