this is actually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is actually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a point or clarify a statement, often to indicate that something is true or different from what might be expected. Example: "This is actually the best solution we have found after extensive research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is actually happening.

The New Yorker

This is actually serious.

Independent

"This is actually easier.

The New York Times

This is actually pretty unusual.

The New York Times

This is actually an understatement.

The New Yorker

This is actually a lie.

Independent

This is actually fine".

The New York Times

Our touch in this is actually counterproductive".

The New York Times

This is actually an old journalism trick.

The New York Times

This is actually caused by ants.

The New Yorker

But this is actually quite logical.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is actually" to gently correct a misconception or provide a surprising fact. It's particularly effective when you want to soften a correction or make it more palatable.

Common error

Avoid using "actually" excessively. It is best used to introduce surprising or clarifying information, not just as a filler word to add emphasis to every sentence. Overuse can make your writing sound unnatural and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is actually" functions as a discourse marker or adverbial phrase. It is used to introduce a statement that might be surprising, clarifying, or contrary to what someone might expect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes that what follows is true, sometimes correcting a prior assumption.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

17%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is actually" is a versatile discourse marker used to introduce clarifying, surprising, or corrective information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While "this is actually" is very common across various contexts, including news, science, and informal writing, it’s important to avoid overuse and consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. Related phrases like "this is indeed" or "this is in fact" can provide similar nuance with slightly different emphasis. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, you can effectively integrate "this is actually" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is indeed

Replaces "actually" with "indeed" for a more formal and affirmative tone.

this is in fact

Emphasizes the truthfulness of the statement with a slightly stronger affirmation.

this is really

Uses "really" instead of "actually" for a more casual and emphatic tone.

this is genuinely

Emphasizes the sincerity or authenticity of the statement.

this is essentially

Indicates that the statement is fundamentally true, focusing on the essence of the matter.

this is technically

Highlights that the statement is true from a technical or precise perspective.

this is surprisingly

Highlights the unexpected nature of the information being presented.

it turns out that this is

Introduces the statement as a discovery or revelation.

the truth is that this is

Emphasizes that what follows is the real or accurate information.

contrary to popular belief, this is

Sets up the statement as a correction to a common misconception.

FAQs

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

"This is actually" is used to introduce information that might be surprising or contrary to what someone might expect. For example, "I thought it would be difficult, but "this is actually" quite easy".

What can I say instead of "this is actually"?

You can use alternatives like "this is indeed", "this is in fact", or "in reality this is" depending on the context.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "actually", although it is often perceived as informal and should be used sparingly in formal writing. In this case, using ""this is actually"" is a more formal way to convey your message.

What's the difference between "this is actually" and "this is really"?

"This is actually" suggests a correction or surprising fact, while "this is really" simply emphasizes a statement. The subtle difference lies in whether you are providing new or unexpected information versus just reinforcing an existing point.