it was actually written

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was actually written" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to clarify or emphasize the authenticity or origin of a written work or statement. Example: "Many people believe the quote is a modern invention, but it was actually written by a famous author in the 19th century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It was actually written by BAC's artistic director, David Jubb.

The Guardian

It was actually written by a teenager, a Yorkshire lad named Sam Stern, with the help of his mom.

The New York Times - Books

He says it was actually written once the divorce was underway, but people assumed that was how he broke the news.

The Guardian - Music

The Mother, also in a translation by Christopher Hampton, is clearly a companion piece, though it was actually written two years earlier.

The Guardian

Dominic Dromgoole, the Globe's artistic director, told The Guardian that he wanted to increase the box office appeal of the trilogy, which has long generated debates over how much of it was actually written by Shakespeare.

The New York Times

Neither of us can remember when or where it was actually written: he mimes an outraged Guardian editor calling up to say it never was, then makes me say it again for the recorder "then we've got an Inception-y sort of loop going on". (I tracked the phrase down eventually to a TV blog written in 2011).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"It's actually written into the script".

The New York Times

As if no one would believe him, he added once again: "It is actually written out.

The New York Times

It's actually written in the N.F.L. bylaws that no team can be a non-profit, community owned entity.

The New Yorker

Some people have suggested that it is actually written in a form of ancient Ukrainian in which vowels are omitted.Dr Knight has used a statistical-translation program to debunk this theory by showing that the order and frequencies of symbols do not match those in Ukrainian.

The Economist

But the letter, and another much like it, were actually written by Lee Israel, a biographer and editor in New York who spent two years writing forgeries from her studio apartment on the Upper West Side and then selling them to autograph dealers around the country.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was actually written" to clarify the true origin or authorship of a piece of writing, especially when there is a misconception or uncertainty surrounding it. This phrase is effective in emphasizing the reality behind the text's creation.

Common error

Avoid using "it was actually written" simply as a filler phrase. Ensure that its inclusion adds value by correcting a misunderstanding or providing important context about the writing's origin. If the authorship is already clear and undisputed, consider a more concise statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was actually written" functions as a clarifying statement, often used to correct a misconception or emphasize the true authorship of a text. As Ludwig AI points out, it serves to highlight the reality behind the creation of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was actually written" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to clarify the true authorship or origin of a text, especially when misconceptions exist. Ludwig AI highlights its role in emphasizing the reality behind a text's creation. It is most frequently found in news and media, wiki pages, and scientific publications, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. While alternatives like "it was genuinely authored" and "it was indeed composed" offer nuanced emphasis, the phrase itself is versatile and effective for its intended purpose. Overuse as filler should be avoided to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in fact, it was written by

Adds emphasis through "in fact", specifying the author directly.

it was genuinely authored

Replaces "actually" with "genuinely" and "written" with "authored", highlighting the authenticity of the writing.

it was in reality penned

Replaces "actually" with "in reality" and "written" with "penned" to emphasize the true origin in a slightly more formal way.

it was indeed composed

Substitutes "actually" with "indeed" and "written" with "composed" to reinforce the fact of authorship.

surprisingly, it was written by

Highlights an element of surprise regarding the actual author.

it was originally drafted

Focuses on the initial creation of the written work, using "originally" and "drafted".

it was effectively created

Highlights the successful creation of the written work.

contrary to popular belief, it was written by

directly counters a common misconception about the author.

the real author was

Shifts the focus to the true author, implying a contrast with a perceived author.

the true writer was

Emphasizes the actual writer, implying that the apparent author is not the real one.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was actually written" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "it was in reality penned" or "it was indeed composed". These options elevate the language while maintaining the core meaning.

Is it okay to use "it was actually written" in academic writing?

Yes, the phrase "it was actually written" is acceptable in academic writing, especially when clarifying authorship or correcting misinformation. However, ensure the context warrants its use and that it's not employed unnecessarily.

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

"It was actually written" simply clarifies who truly wrote something, whereas "it was ghostwritten" indicates that someone was paid to write something and the credit was given to another person. Therefore, the second sentence is a very specific kind of first sentence.

When should I use "it was genuinely authored" instead of "it was actually written"?

Use "it was genuinely authored" when you want to emphasize the authenticity and originality of the work, suggesting it was created by the stated author without external influence. "It was actually written" is a more general statement about authorship, often used to correct a misunderstanding.