she actually is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she actually is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that someone is a certain way, often as a surprise or contrast to others' expectations. For example: "She was so quiet, I thought she was shy - but she actually is quite outgoing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I wonder how tall she actually is".

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Siegel had never let on to her client just how experienced she actually is.

The New York Times

But on the Internet, she not only impersonates celebrities like Taylor Swift, she actually is one.

The New York Times

Iris DeMent always sounded like she was from another century, but now she actually is.

The New Yorker

Looking at her mouth, it's possible that she actually is going "Oooh" now.

The Guardian - Film

Her niceness, affability and sheer staying power sometimes overshadow how talented she actually is.

The Guardian

As for who she actually is, we are given very little to go on.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Gertsacov said: "I think she may have presented herself as more bohemian than she actually is.

The New York Times

Twenty-seven attempts later and there's a feeling in the room that, yes, she actually is untrainable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How do we know that we're encountering real happiness and not someone who is attempting to seem happier than he or she actually is?

The New Yorker

The rare women's player who does wear the soft headgear, experts said, usually has a prior head injury and is feeling more protected than she actually is.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she actually is" to highlight a surprising or unexpected truth about someone, particularly when it contrasts with initial impressions or assumptions.

Common error

Avoid using "she actually is" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated phrasing that conveys the same meaning with greater subtlety and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she actually is" functions as an emphatic statement. It asserts a fact about a female subject, often highlighting a surprising or unexpected quality. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she actually is" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression employed to emphasize a surprising or unexpected fact about a female subject. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a valid phrase suitable for a variety of contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it serves to highlight truths or correct misconceptions. While versatile, writers should consider the formality of their context, as more sophisticated phrasing may be preferable in academic or highly formal settings. Alternatives like "she truly is" or "she genuinely is" offer similar emphasis with a touch more elegance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she truly is

Emphasizes the genuineness of her being.

she genuinely is

Highlights the sincerity of her nature.

she really is

A more informal way to confirm her true nature.

she certainly is

Conveys a strong degree of certainty about her qualities.

she definitely is

Similar to 'certainly', but with a slightly less formal tone.

she absolutely is

Indicates complete agreement or affirmation of her state.

she essentially is

Focuses on the fundamental aspect of her character.

she practically is

Suggests that her behavior or attributes closely resemble something.

she currently is

Highlights her present state or condition.

she already is

Emphasizes that a particular quality or state is pre-existing.

FAQs

How can I use "she actually is" in a sentence?

Use "she actually is" to emphasize a surprising or unexpected quality. For example: "Despite her quiet demeanor, she actually is a talented musician".

What are some alternatives to "she actually is"?

Alternatives include "she truly is", "she genuinely is", or "she really is" depending on the desired emphasis.

Is it okay to use "she actually is" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "she actually is" may sound informal in some formal contexts. Consider more sophisticated alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "she actually is" and "she is"?

"She actually is" implies surprise or contrast, suggesting something unexpected about the person. "She is" is a simple statement of fact without the element of surprise.