this was actually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was actually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a point or clarify a situation, often when presenting a surprising or unexpected fact. Example: "I thought the meeting would be boring, but this was actually one of the most engaging discussions I've ever attended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This was actually happening.

The Guardian - Sport

No one thought this was actually possible.

The New York Times - Sports

This was actually the American premiere.

The New York Times

(This was actually fairly catchy).

The Guardian

This was actually Flinders' room.

The Guardian - Tech

(This was actually quite funny).

The Guardian

This was actually the second bad snap.

The New York Times - Sports

This was actually a relief to me.

The Guardian

This was actually something of a revelation.

The Guardian - Sport

They realised this was actually pretty cool".

The Guardian

This was actually a fantastic achievement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was actually" to introduce a surprising or clarifying piece of information that might not be immediately obvious to the reader. It helps to redirect assumptions and provide a more accurate understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "this was actually" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and detract from the impact of the clarification. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "in fact", "it turned out", or "surprisingly" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was actually" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb in the sentence to add emphasis or to present a surprising or clarifying fact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this was actually" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an element of surprise or clarification in a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable. It serves to correct assumptions or emphasize a point that might not be immediately obvious. While it enjoys broad usage across various contexts, including news, science, and even informal conversation, it's best to avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity. Remember to vary your phrasing using alternatives such as "in fact" or "surprisingly" to prevent repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this in fact was

Reorders the words to emphasize "in fact" as a confirmation.

it turned out to be

Indicates a discovery or revelation after a period of time or investigation.

it really was

Emphasizes the truth of a situation with "really".

it transpired that

Suggests a fact became known, often unexpectedly.

as it happens, this was

Introduces the situation as coincidental or surprising.

contrary to expectations, this was

Highlights the difference between what was expected and what occurred.

surprisingly, this was

Adds emphasis to the unexpected nature of the situation.

unbeknownst to me, this was

Highlights that the speaker wasn't aware of the actual situation.

in reality, this was

Draws a contrast to perception and points out the actual situation.

the truth is, this was

Emphasizes honesty and reveals the reality of a situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "this was actually" in a sentence?

Use "this was actually" to introduce information that contrasts with a previous assumption or expectation. It's great for adding a layer of clarification or surprise to your writing. For example, instead of saying "The movie was boring", you could say "I expected the movie to be boring, but "this was actually" quite engaging".

What are some alternatives to using "this was actually"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "in fact", "it turned out that", "surprisingly", or "the reality was". These alternatives can add variety to your writing and prevent repetition. For instance, "I thought it would rain, but "in fact", it was sunny".

Is it ever incorrect to use "this was actually"?

While grammatically correct, "this was actually" should be used judiciously. Overusing it can make your writing sound awkward or repetitive. Ensure that the phrase genuinely adds value by providing a clarification or surprising element. If the information is already clear, the phrase may be unnecessary.

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

"This was actually" often implies a contrast with a prior belief or expectation, suggesting a correction or clarification. "This was really" simply emphasizes the degree or intensity of something without necessarily implying a prior misconception. For example, "I thought the test would be easy, but "this was actually" quite difficult" versus "The view from the top of the mountain? "This was really" breathtaking".