we are actually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are actually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a point or clarify a situation, often in response to a misconception or assumption. Example: "Many people think we are just a small startup, but we are actually one of the leading companies in our industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We are actually very scared.

The New York Times

"We are actually progressing.

The Guardian

We are actually trapped by the fighting.

The New York Times

And you think, yeah, we are actually.

The Guardian - Film

We are actually ecology voters".

The Guardian - Music

We are actually playing God".

The New York Times

"We are actually pretty tame.

The Guardian - Music

We are actually doing nation creating.

The New York Times

"We are actually looking into cardiology".

The New York Times

"We are actually supporters," she said.

The Guardian

"We are actually decent people," he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the truth of a statement, use "we are actually" to convey surprise or unexpectedness. For instance, if your team is known for being disorganized, saying "we are actually very organized" can be impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "actually" simply as a filler word. Ensure it adds meaningful emphasis or clarification. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound less precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are actually" functions as an emphatic statement, often used to correct a prior assumption or to highlight a fact. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It serves to clarify or emphasize a point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are actually" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize, clarify, or correct information. Ludwig confirms its usability and correctness. Its frequency is very common, primarily in news and media, as well as science and formal business contexts. It's crucial to use this phrase judiciously to avoid sounding repetitive or diluting its impact. For alternatives, consider phrases like "we truly are" or "we in fact are". By adhering to best practices and avoiding overuse, you can effectively use "we are actually" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we truly are

Emphasizes the truthfulness of the statement with "truly" instead of "actually".

we in fact are

Replaces "actually" with "in fact" to highlight the factual nature of the statement.

we really are

Uses "really" instead of "actually" to convey a sense of genuineness.

we genuinely are

Emphasizes sincerity by using "genuinely" in place of "actually".

we certainly are

Indicates assurance or confidence using "certainly" instead of "actually".

we are indeed

Replaces "actually" with "indeed" to add a touch of formality and affirmation.

we are truthfully

Substitutes "actually" with "truthfully" to highlight the honesty of the claim.

it is true that we are

Rephrases the statement to explicitly state the truth using "it is true that".

we happen to be

Uses "happen to be" instead of "actually" to introduce an element of chance or unexpectedness.

we are, as a matter of fact

Adds a longer phrase, "as a matter of fact", for emphasis and clarification.

FAQs

How can I use "we are actually" in a sentence?

Use "we are actually" to emphasize a point, correct a misunderstanding, or clarify a situation. For example: "Many people think we're a small company, but "we are actually" a leading provider in our industry".

What phrases can I use instead of "we are actually"?

Alternatives include "we truly are", "we in fact are", or "we really are", depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "we are actually"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "we are actually" can weaken your writing. Ensure it adds meaningful emphasis or clarification rather than serving as a filler word.

How does "we are actually" differ from "we are really"?

"We are actually" often implies a correction or surprise, while "we are really" simply emphasizes the truth of a statement. For instance: "I thought you were joking, but "we are actually" going to Disneyland!" versus "We are really excited about our vacation".