it was actually

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was actually" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize a statement that may surprise or contradict the reader. For example: "I thought she had applied to college already, but it was actually just a rumor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was actually easy.

The New York Times

It was actually happening.

BBC

It was actually pleasant.

The New York Times

It was actually quite humbling.

Independent

It was actually very awesome.

The New York Times

(It was actually Jackie Nickerson).

The New Yorker

(It was actually quite good).

The New Yorker

"It was actually soul-crushing".

The New Yorker

"It was actually great advice".

The New York Times

It was actually more complicated.

The New York Times

"It was actually really fun".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was actually" to introduce a surprising or unexpected fact that clarifies or corrects a previous statement. This can add nuance and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "actually", as it can become repetitive and weaken your writing. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was actually" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a statement to indicate that the reality differs from what might have been expected or previously stated. As Ludwig AI states, it emphasizes a statement that may surprise or contradict the reader. For instance, "I thought it would be terrible, but it was actually fun."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was actually" serves as an adverbial phrase used to introduce a surprising or corrective element to a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound construction frequently found in various contexts, particularly within News & Media, with a neutral register that makes it versatile for diverse audiences. The phrase's purpose is primarily to clarify or correct assumptions, adding depth and nuance to writing. Though ubiquitous, overuse should be avoided to maintain writing clarity and impact. When needed, alternative phrases like "in fact it was" or "surprisingly, it was" can enrich expression. Ludwig provides ample examples across diverse sources, affirming the phrase's legitimacy and widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it in fact was

Replaces "actually" with "in fact", emphasizing the factual nature of the statement. Offers a more formal tone.

it was, in reality

Emphasizes the true state of affairs, often used to correct a misconception.

it really was

Substitutes "actually" with "really", highlighting the genuine nature of the situation. Reduces the element of surprise.

the truth is, it was

Introduces a correction with a focus on honesty and accuracy, adding a sense of candidness.

it was surprisingly

Highlights the unexpected nature of the situation, emphasizing the element of surprise.

it turned out to be

Indicates a discovery or revelation about the true nature of something, shifting the focus to the outcome.

contrary to what was thought, it was

Directly contradicts a previous assumption, making the correction explicit.

it proved to be

Emphasizes the verification or demonstration of a particular quality or state, adding a sense of confirmation.

it emerged that it was

Highlights the gradual revealing of information, suggesting a process of discovery.

it became apparent that it was

Focuses on the increasing clarity of a situation over time, stressing the growing understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "it was actually" to introduce information that contrasts with what might be expected, like, "I thought the test would be difficult, but "it was actually" quite easy".

What's a formal alternative to "it was actually"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "in fact it was" or "it proved to be" instead of "it was actually".

Is it redundant to use "it was actually really"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "it was actually really" can be seen as redundant. Consider using one word, such as "surprisingly", to convey the same meaning more concisely.

What's the difference between "it was actually" and "actually, it was"?

The phrase "it was actually" emphasizes the unexpected nature of what follows, while "actually, it was" can be used to gently correct a previous statement or assumption.