so actually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so actually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clarification or a surprising fact that contrasts with what was previously stated. Example: "I thought the meeting was at 3 PM, but so actually, it starts at 2 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So actually listen, actually respond".

The New York Times

LISA KALTENEGGER: So actually, yes.

Cornell University

So, actually, it put me off".

The New Yorker

So actually, I was intrigued by that.

Yale University

So, actually, it is minus a2.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So, actually, jocks are incredibly inclusive".

The Guardian - Film

"So actually, I've got more Payless now".

The New York Times

So actually our lives get harder".

The Guardian - Tech

"So actually, I'm not that excited".

The New York Times

So, actually, we're all arriving like this".

The Guardian - Film

Quite brave, no? "I don't think so, actually," he retorts.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so actually" to introduce a statement that clarifies or slightly corrects a preceding statement, ensuring a smooth and logical flow of information.

Common error

Avoid using "so actually" excessively in your writing, as it can become repetitive and dilute the impact of your message. Vary your sentence structure with alternatives like "in fact" or "actually" /s/actually to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so actually" functions as a discourse marker and an adverbial phrase. It typically introduces a clarification, correction, or a somewhat surprising piece of information. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in academic, news, and general conversational contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

34%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so actually" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to introduce clarifications, corrections, or somewhat surprising information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable. While predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, it maintains a generally neutral register suitable for various communication scenarios. To avoid redundancy, consider employing alternatives such as "in fact" or "actually". Understanding its function and context allows for more effective and nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in fact

Replaces "so actually" with a more direct emphasis on the truth or reality of a situation.

actually

A shorter, more common way of introducing a correction or clarification.

as a matter of fact

Emphasizes the factual basis of the statement being made.

in reality

Highlights the true state of affairs, often contrasting with a previous assumption.

to be honest

Indicates sincerity and a willingness to reveal the truth, even if unexpected.

to tell you the truth

Similar to "to be honest", but with a slightly more informal tone.

in point of fact

A more formal version of "in fact", used to underscore the truth.

the truth is

Directly introduces the factual or accurate information.

it turns out

Indicates a discovery or revelation of information previously unknown or unsuspected.

as it happens

Implies a coincidental or unexpected revelation of information.

FAQs

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

"So actually" is typically used to introduce a clarification or a slightly surprising fact that contrasts with what was previously mentioned. For example: "I thought the meeting was at 3 PM, but so actually, it starts at 2 PM."

What phrases can I use instead of "so actually"?

You can use alternatives like "in fact", "actually", or "as a matter of fact" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "so actually"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "So" functions as a discourse marker, and "actually" introduces a clarification or contrasting information. However, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive, so consider using alternatives.

What is the difference between "actually" and "so actually"?

While "actually" introduces a fact or correction, "so actually" often implies a logical consequence or a slight surprise related to the preceding statement. The addition of "so" can suggest a causal relationship or a smooth transition to the new information.