like actually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like actually" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to emphasize something: "I like actually have no idea." It is often used in informal writing or speaking.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Do you — what do you do like actually do?

University of California, Berkeley

But I looked at it and I was like, "Actually, that's fine.

The New York Times

"But I think at the same time to spread it around is more difficult – it's like actually raising a child.

The Guardian - Film

Yeah, like, actually eating food... Practice some restraint here, piggy.

Vice

Yeah, like, actually eating food... Practice some restriction here piggy.

Vice

This is what democracy looks like!" Actually, repeating this made me very sad.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It looks quite newspaper-like, actually.

The Guardian

Not as many as I would have liked actually".

The Guardian

Like, really actually happen?

Huffington Post

Are Earth-like planets actually like Earth?

BBC

Likes: It actually works.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like actually" sparingly to maintain its impact; overusing it can dilute its effectiveness and make your writing sound repetitive.

Common error

Avoid using "like actually" in formal or professional writing. It's generally better suited for informal conversations or creative writing where a more casual tone is acceptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like actually" functions as an intensifier or discourse marker, adding emphasis or expressing the speaker's attitude or surprise. Ludwig examples show its use in conversational contexts to highlight a point.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like actually" functions as an intensifier or discourse marker, adding emphasis to a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, while highlighting its informal nature. Although prevalent in news and media, the phrase remains unsuitable for formal or professional contexts. Alternatives such as "really", "genuinely", or "in fact" offer more formal options. Use "like actually" judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid sounding repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actually

Omits "like", making the statement slightly more formal.

really

A simpler, more direct way to express emphasis.

genuinely

Replaces "like actually" with a single word emphasizing sincerity.

in fact

Introduces a statement of fact, similar to "actually".

truly

Emphasizes the truth or genuineness of the statement.

in reality

Shifts the focus to the factual aspect of the statement.

for real

An informal way to express authenticity or seriousness.

seriously

Highlights the importance or sincerity of the statement.

honestly

Indicates sincerity and frankness.

literally

Emphasizes that something is exactly as stated, not figuratively.

FAQs

How can I use "like actually" in a sentence?

"Like actually" is typically used to add emphasis or express surprise. For example: "I "like actually" finished the project early."

What are some alternatives to "like actually"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "really", "genuinely", or "in fact".

Is it grammatically correct to use "like actually"?

While grammatically acceptable, "like actually" is considered informal and might not be suitable for formal writing. Its acceptability depends on the context and audience.

What's the difference between "actually" and "like actually"?

Adding "like" before "actually" intensifies the emphasis and often indicates a more casual and conversational tone. Using only "actually" is more direct and slightly more formal.