while actually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while actually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or clarification about a situation or action that is happening simultaneously. Example: "She seemed confident while actually feeling quite nervous inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I haven't been pulled over in a while actually.

The Washington Post

I've had a relationship with them for a while actually.

The New York Times

It took a while, actually, especially because there's no dialogue.

The New York Times - Arts

Or, rather, it seemed to do the second while actually doing something much more like the first.

The Economist

But we've been doing that for a while, actually.

TechCrunch

"I just felt absolutely broken, for quite a while actually," says Compton of his friend's death.

BBC

The Red Planet will glow intensely this month, brighter than it has appeared to us in a while, actually.

Science Magazine

"Girls get away with it for a while, actually," Waithe says.

Los Angeles Times

I thought, oh, I'll just start eating again, but it took me a while, actually.

Huffington Post

I've liked you for a while actually.

WikiHow

2. Sound incredibly encouraging while actually saying "no".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "while actually", ensure that the contrasted elements are happening at the same time. This maintains clarity and avoids misrepresenting the sequence of events.

Common error

Avoid using "while actually" to describe events that occur one after the other. This phrase implies simultaneity, so using it for sequential actions can confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while actually" functions as an adverbial conjunction, linking two clauses and introducing a contrast or unexpected element. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts, serving to highlight a simultaneous but differing reality. This is evident in examples such as "It took a while, actually" where "actually" emphasizes the duration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "while actually" serves as an adverbial conjunction to introduce contrast or clarification, often emphasizing a surprising element. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across various contexts, though it appears most frequently in news and media. It is important to use "while actually" to indicate simultaneous events and to avoid misusing it for sequential actions. Alternatives like "although in reality" or "but in actuality" can be used depending on the context. While uncommon, its strategic use adds nuance and depth to writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but in actuality

Swaps "actually" for "in actuality", maintaining a formal tone.

whereas in truth

Emphasizes a strong contrast with a hint of discovering the factual state.

whilst in reality

Replaces "while" with "whilst" and "actually" with "in reality", emphasizing the true state of affairs.

when in reality

Highlights the contrast by specifying a time frame.

even though in fact

Adds emphasis to the contrast between what is expected and what is true.

although in practice

Highlights a difference between theory and the real application.

though in effect

Indicates that the actual result differs from what was intended.

despite the fact that

Introduces a statement that seems contradictory to what follows.

whilst simultaneously

Focuses more on two actions occurring together, with an element of surprise or contrast.

in spite of the pretense

Highlights a false appearance that contrasts with what's happening.

FAQs

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

"While actually" is used to highlight a contrast or unexpected element happening simultaneously. For example, "He appeared calm "while actually" feeling anxious."

What can I say instead of "while actually"?

Alternatives to "while actually" include "although in reality", "even though in fact", or "but in actuality" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "while actually" and "while in fact"?

Both phrases indicate a contrast, but "while actually" often implies a surprising or unexpected element. "While in fact" ("while in fact") may simply introduce a clarification or correction of a previous statement.

Can "while actually" be used to describe events happening at different times?

No, "while actually" should only be used when the contrasted actions or states are occurring simultaneously. Using it to describe events in sequence is grammatically incorrect and can be confusing.