that was actually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was actually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a point or clarify a statement, often in response to a misconception or to provide additional information. Example: "I thought the meeting was canceled, but that was actually scheduled for next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was actually the truth.

The New York Times

"That was actually really interesting.

The New York Times

That was actually sweet.

The Guardian - Music

That was actually the cost.

The New York Times - Magazine

That was actually authentically creepy.

The Guardian

Yesterday, that was actually true.

The New York Times

That was actually the idea.

The Guardian

Yes, that was actually a baby bluefish.

The New York Times - Style

"But for Sean, that was actually true.

The Washington Post

"That was actually included in this decision.

The Guardian

That was actually not a bad chance.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was actually" to introduce a surprising or clarifying piece of information, adding depth and accuracy to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "that was actually" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and word choice to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was actually" functions as a discourse marker, adding emphasis or clarification to a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts, highlighting its role in providing additional information or correcting a misconception.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was actually" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression employed to inject emphasis, offer clarity, or present corrections to prior statements. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and broad applicability. Although versatile, it's advisable to use it judiciously to prevent repetitiveness and to consider more formal alternatives, such as "that was indeed" or "that was in fact", in academic or formal business contexts. The most common usage appears in News & Media. Steer clear of redundancy and aim for precision in your writing to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was indeed

Emphasizes the truth of a statement, similar to "that was actually", but with a slightly more formal tone.

that was in fact

Highlights the factual nature of a statement, offering a more direct and assertive alternative to "that was actually".

that was truly

Emphasizes the genuine nature of something, providing an alternative that focuses on authenticity.

that was really

Similar meaning, but less formal and emphasizes the degree to which something is true or present.

that was honestly

Highlights the speaker's sincerity, similar to "that was actually", but adds a personal touch.

that was legitimately

Emphasizes the validity or lawfulness of something, providing an alternative with a focus on justification.

it turns out that was

Introduces a discovery or realization, offering an alternative that reveals new information.

it happened to be that was

Indicates a chance or unexpected occurrence, adding an element of surprise.

it emerged that was

Suggests a gradual revelation of information, providing an alternative that emphasizes the process of discovery.

contrary to expectations, that was

Highlights a contradiction or surprise, providing an alternative that emphasizes the unexpected nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

Use "that was actually" to correct a misunderstanding, offer a surprising detail, or clarify a statement. For example, "I thought the store was closed, but "that was actually" a different location".

What are some alternatives to "that was actually"?

You can use alternatives like "that was indeed", "that was in fact", or "that was truly" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "that was actually real"?

While not strictly grammatically incorrect, saying "that was actually real" can be somewhat redundant. Consider using simply "that was real" or emphasizing the surprising nature of the reality in another way.

Can "that was actually" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "that was actually" can be used in formal writing, although more formal alternatives like "that was in fact" or "that was indeed" might be preferred in certain contexts.