yes actually

USAGE SUMMARY

Actually is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the fact that you agree to something or verify something which has already been stated. For example: "You have been working on this project for a while now, right?" "Yes, actually, I've been working on it for over a year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

SM: Yes, yes, actually, yes.

Huffington Post

And yes, actually, it is extremely quiet on the move.

Independent

That's what I'd like people to see when I say that yes, actually, I am a feminist.

The Guardian

"Simples", the prime minister said (yes, actually seeming to quote a meerkat from a TV advert, welcome to 2019 everyone).

BBC

Or rather whether MySpace still has any users left to notice/care about this departure, well yes actually.

TechCrunch

A: YES!!! Actually it's influencing me now a lot more than ever.

Huffington Post

Well, yes, actually.

The New York Times - Sports

Well, yes, actually.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Well, yes, actually quite a bit.

The New York Times

Well, yes, actually, when you put it in context.

Independent

He gives a tiny hesitation: "Well, yes, actually – it was".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yes actually" to confirm something that might be surprising or unexpected, adding a touch of emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "yes actually" in overly formal or professional settings, as it can sound too casual. Opt for more formal alternatives like "indeed" or "certainly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yes actually" primarily functions as an affirmative response, typically used to confirm a statement or answer a question with a touch of emphasis. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in varied conversational contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Academia

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "yes actually" serves as a versatile affirmative response, typically used to confirm statements with a hint of emphasis or surprise. While deemed grammatically correct and very common according to Ludwig, its register leans toward neutral, making it less suitable for highly formal or scientific contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it conveys authenticity while agreeing or confirming something. Always consider the context and audience when using "yes actually" to ensure the tone aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yes, in fact

Adds further detail or evidence to support the affirmation.

that's right

Confirms the correctness of a previous statement.

yes, really

Expresses surprise or disbelief while still affirming.

you're right

Acknowledges the validity of someone else's point of view.

indeed

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "yes".

absolutely

Emphasizes complete agreement and conviction.

certainly

Indicates a strong affirmation, leaving no room for doubt.

yes, truly

Emphasizes the sincerity and genuineness of the affirmation.

precisely

Highlights accuracy and exactness in agreement.

without a doubt

Conveys absolute certainty and agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "yes actually" to confirm something, often with a hint of surprise or emphasis. For example, "Did you finish the project?" "Yes, actually, I submitted it this morning."

What is a more formal alternative to "yes actually"?

For more formal situations, consider using alternatives such as "indeed", "certainly", or "absolutely".

Is it ever incorrect to use "yes actually"?

While grammatically correct, "yes actually" might be inappropriate in very formal contexts where a more serious tone is required. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your communication.

What's the difference between "yes actually" and "yes in fact"?

"Yes actually" confirms a statement, often with a slight surprise, while "yes in fact" adds more supporting information or detail to the confirmation.