Video Transcript
Section 1
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Well hey there I’m Emma from mmmEnglish! I hope you’ve been having an awesome day so far! Today’s English lesson is going to be short and sweet. I’ll go over four different ways that you can use a very common, very useful word. Actually.
We’ll also practise the pronunciation to help you sound more natural and relaxed when you use this word.
‘Actually’ is one of those English words that has several different meanings and it can be used in a few different ways but it can also be placed in different positions within an English sentence as well so that can make it seem a little confusing and with many of my students, if you know, they’re a little confused about a word or a little unsure about how to use it correctly, they tend to avoid it but we don’t want to do that. There is no need this avoid this word. It’s an incredibly useful word. Check it out.
We can use ‘actually’ to emphasise a fact, to express surprise, to correct someone politely or to change topics in a conversation. It is a very, very handy word to know.
Now let’s start with the pronunciation ‘actually’. Technically there are four syllables in this word. But when spoken by a native English speaker and they say it naturally, the word reduces down to three syllables. So the stress is on the first syllable, it’s the strongest sound. And in the second syllable, the vowel sound reduces down to the schwa, you can hear it with the consonant sound. And then the last syllable is a short sound. The schwa sound is the secret here to natural pronunciation. It’s not ac-choo-ly, but actually. It’s a really relaxed sound.
Actually, check out my lesson about the schwa sound right here for some extra practice. You’ll get lots more pronunciation practice if you practise with me out loud during this lesson. There’s going to be lots of examples so get ready to speak out loud.
actually #1 – to emphasise a fact
So there are four different ways that you can use the word ‘actually’ in English sentences and number one is to emphasise a fact or something that happened.
It actually takes longer to fly from Melbourne to Perth than it takes to fly from Perth to Melbourne.
So I’m using ‘actually’ here to emphasise a fact. It’s true. The wind direction has quite a significant influence on the flight time so it’s much faster to fly from Perth to Melbourne.
I’ve heard so many different versions of this story, I wish I knew what he actually said.
You know I want the truth, I want to know what he really said at the time. I’ve only heard from others.
Do you know Paul?
We’ve spoken over the phone but we’ve never actually met.
Have you got an example that you can share in the comments below?
I want you to write a sentence, if you can, where you’re using ‘actually’ to emphasise a fact.
actually #2 – to show surprise
Number two, you can use ‘actually’ to show surprise at something unexpected.
It looks like my brother actually arrived on time. I’m a little surprised, he’s usually late.
I was so tired I actually fell asleep in the back of the taxi.
Did you hear that they actually sold their house? It’s been on the market for ages.
actually #3 – to correct someone politely
Now ‘actually’ can also be used to correct someone politely.
I don’t work for the government. I’m self-employed, actually.
We’re late. The meeting starts at twelve. Actually, think it starts after lunch.
How long has she been living in Sydney? Actually, she lives in Singapore now.
Now you can actually use ‘actually’ to correct yourself which is cool when you make a mistake or you’re unsure.
I’m meeting with them on Thursday. Actually, it might be Friday.
Can you think of your own example to correct someone politely? If you can, add it to the comments below so I can check it out soon.
actually #4 – to introduce a new topic or add information
And finally, we can use ‘actually’ to introduce a new topic or to add some extra information.
Actually, I need to ask you about something before you leave.
I’ve been meaning to talk about that with you, actually.
So notice how in both of these examples, when we use ‘actually’ at the end or at the start of a sentence, we use a comma and this is really important for your writing but also when you’re speaking. It also signals a little pause.
So that was the four ways that you can use ‘actually’ but I’ve got a couple of extra tips that I want to share with you to actually make sure that you’re using ‘actually’ correctly because some of my students get a little confused between ‘actually’ and ‘currently’.
Now in English, these are not synonyms. ‘They actually moved to Tokyo.’ is not the same as ‘They currently moved to Tokyo.’
In fact, that sentence is completely incorrect.
‘Actually’ and ‘currently‘ are different. And the last thing that I want to share is ‘actually’ and ‘actual’, they have very similar meanings. ‘Actually’ is an adverb, ‘actual’ is an adjective. Their meanings are similar. ‘Actual’ means real or factual and it can also be used for emphasis but they are used in different positions within a sentence.
So usually the adjective ‘actual’ is found before the noun.
This is the actual spot where we met.
This is the actual spot where I teach you.
Now the adverb ‘actually’ is usually used at the beginning or the end of a sentence or before the verb.
Actually, this is where I film my videos.
I actually film them right here.
This is where I film my videos actually.
So I hope you actually learned something this lesson and that you actually start using this word a little more frequently in your English sentences.
Make it a challenge for this week. How many times can you use the word ‘actually’? Keep it top of mind.
Give this lesson a like and if you’re thinking ‘Actually, I’ve got a friend who should really watch this video.’ well, make sure you share it with them.
Here are a couple more lessons to keep you busy. I think that you’ll actually like this one right here. I’ll see you in there!
mmmEnglish Video Lessons are a series of video lessons created to build confidence in English learners and focus on English in daily life. Download them and watch them anywhere! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to be the first to get my new videos, and come and say hi on my Facebook page!!
There are many words in English with multiple uses, but one of the more common ones is the word “actually.“ This adverb can occupy several sentence positions and can be used to emphasize a fact, express surprise, correct someone politely, or change topics in a conversation.
Pronunciation
-
When speaking slowly, we pronounce actually with four syllables:
/ˈæk tʃu ə ˌli/ (ack choo uh lee).
-
When speaking quickly and naturally, however, we only use three syllables and drop the /u/ sound:
/ˈæk tʃə ˌli/ (ack chuh lee).
Usage
1. To emphasize a fact or something that happened
- The interest on a credit card is actually higher than on a line of credit.
- Stop listening to gossip. I’ll tell you what he actually said.
- I was so tired that I actually fell asleep in class.
- Did you actually see the accident?
2. To show surprise at something unexpected
- She actually apologized. She’s never apologized to me before!
- I was putting off booking our trip, but the flights were way cheaper than I expected, actually!
- I was going to cancel our hike, but he told me that he actually doesn’t mind the rain.
- They actually sold their house? It’s been on the market for ages!
3. To correct someone politely
- A: The meeting starts at 2:00. B: Actually, I think the meeting starts at 3:00, not 2:00.
- A: You can get tickets online. B: The tickets are sold out, actually.
- A: How long have you been married? B: Actually, I’m divorced now.
- A: Turn left at the light. B: I’m pretty sure we need to turn right, actually.
4. To introduce a new topic or add information
- I actually need to ask you something before you go.
- Actually, before class is dismissed, I want to go over the new schedule.
- There’s a lot of research to support this, actually.
- Actually, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.
Note
While actually can mean “currently” in some languages, this usage is not common in North American English.
- They currently live in Florida.
- They actually live in Florida.
Actually Vs. Actual
Actually is an adverb and actual is an adjective. While their meanings are similar (actual means real or factual and it can be used for emphasis), they take different positions in a sentence.
The adjective actual is usually found before a noun.
- The movie was inspired by actual events.
- This is the actual spot where he proposed.
The adverb actually is usually at the beginning or end of a sentence or before a verb.
- Actually, I can’t make it tonight after all.
- I can’t make it tonight, actually.
- I can’t believe she actually said that.
Related
- 7 Adverb Patterns
- Adverbs of Manner
- Adverbs of Frequency
- Adverb Clauses of Time
- Adverb Clauses of Contrast
- Adverbs with Two Forms
- However: 7 Sentence Positions & 2 Uses
Imagine trying to speak Portuguese without using words like tipo, sabe, entende, ou seja and quer dizer.
These little words are called discourse markers, and if you’re like most Brazilians you frequently use them while you speak in order to accentuate what you are saying, give yourself more time to think about what you will say next and to add a more natural flow to the conversation.
You use discourse markers unconsciously when you speak Portuguese, but do you use them when you speak English?
The word “actually” is a false cognate and is not the same as atualmente in Portuguese. The word atualmente translates to “currently” in English. A common mistake that Brazilians make is saying things like, “Dilma is actually the president ,” when they really mean to say, “Dilma is currently the president.”
Free E-book: 101 Words You Will Never Learn in School
The word “actually” has several different uses in English and is very common in spoken language. As we will see, it is an important word to learn how to use because it allows you to change your mind about something that you say.
Actually meaning “Thinking again”
This is the most important meaning of “actually” to learn how to use properly. If you say something that you don’t mean and want to take it back, or if you say something incorrectly and want to correct yourself, you can use actually at the beginning of your sentence to signify that you changed your mind. This is similar to how alias is used in Portuguese. For example:
“Do you have a pen I could borrow?”
“No I don’t. Wait! Actually I have one right here.”
“Alberto Santos-Dumont was the American inventor who first invented the airplane. Actually, no, he was Brazilian.”
Actually meaning “In Fact”
This use of the word “actually” means “in fact” and is used to point out something that was unexpected. This usage is similar to how na verdade is used in Portuguese. For example:
“Are you American?”
“Actually, I’m Australian.”
“Rio de Janeiro is the capital of Brazil, right?”
“No, actually it’s Brasilia.”
Actually meaning “Really”
The word “actually” can be used interchangeable with the word “really” in some cases, similar to how realmente is used in Portuguese. It is used to emphasize that something someone has said or done is surprising. For example:
“Did you hear that Isaac is in Saudi Arabia?”
“I heard, but I can’t believe he was actually able to get a visa to go there.”
“Did you hear what Mary said to Joe at the party last weekend?”
“I can’t believe she actually said that, that was really mean.”
Actually as a “softener”
If you are giving someone unpleasant or unwanted information, “actually” can be used to soften the blow of what you tell them. It is similar to para ser sincero in Portuguese. For example:
“Are you coming to the party next week?”
“No, I have to work actually.”
“Dad can we go to Disneyland?”
“No we can’t. We ran out of money paying for your college actually.”
“You’re still coming tomorrow, right?”
“I won’t be able to make it, actually.”
Discourse markers are a topic that we will cover more in detail in the future. Sign up for our mailing list in order to receive updates for future articles. The inspiration for this article came from the book Como Dizer Tudo em Inglês.
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Return from How to Use the Word “Actually” in Top Articles Page
Last Update: Jan 03, 2023
This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!
Asked by: Santos Ritchie Sr.
Score: 4.2/5
(25 votes)
The adverb actually is usually at the beginning or end of a sentence or before a verb.
- Actually, I can’t make it tonight after all.
- I can’t make it tonight, actually.
- I can’t believe she actually said that.
How do you use actually in a sentence?
Actually sentence example
- Had anyone actually told her that or had she merely assumed it? …
- Was he actually avoiding conversation with his father? …
- Her eyes actually were filled with tears. …
- So the party was actually for him, not both of them. …
- For a moment Dulce actually looked sympathetic. …
- He actually flat-out stated it.
Where do we use the word actually?
Actually can be used two ways: first, as an adverb meaning «really.» You might say, «It’s hard to know which of these cookies will taste best without actually sampling them all.» The other way to use the word actually is to imply that your expectations have been proven wrong, that the opposite of what you thought is …
Can I start the sentence with actually?
Yes, «actually» in sentence initial position is grammatical.
Is it OK to use actually?
Actually is often used in speaking as a discourse marker. We use it to indicate a new topic of conversation or a change or contrast in what is being talked about. We also use actually to give more detail about a topic.
34 related questions found
Why you shouldn’t use the word actually?
“Actually” and “literally” are unnecessary
It’s unnecessary, and has become the mansplainer’s word. “Well ‘actually’ — it’s like brace yourself because somebody is about to condescend to you. So it’s become such a beacon of condescension that I think it’s really good to snuff it out as fast as possible.”
What is the baddest word on the planet?
‘Moist’ – a word apparently despised the world over – is about to be named the worst word in the English language. The word has emerged as a clear frontrunner in a global survey conducted by Oxford Dictionaries.
Should I put a comma after actually?
I make it one of my goals to help demystify the comma for my students. The most common missing comma is the one that comes after an introductory element in a sentence. You need a comma after an introductory word: Actually, I’ve never been to Disney World.
Should actually or actually should?
«Really should,» or «should really,» and why? Hi, Generally speaking, both are OK. Neither is incorrect, although their usage can be different according to the context in which they are used.
Which word class is actually?
Actually is an adverb — Word Type.
What is the of actually?
1 : in act or in fact : really trying to find out what actually happened won’t actually arrive for an hour. 2 : in point of fact —used to suggest something unexpected was surprised to learn that she could actually speak German.
How do British pronounce actually?
Break ‘actually’ down into sounds: [AK] + [CHUH] + [LEE] — say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently produce them.
What words can you not start a sentence with?
A sentence should not commence with the conjunctions and, for, or however….
Does essentially mean basically?
«Basically» is used generally when you are breaking something down into simpler terms. «Essentially» is used in the same situation as «basically,» except the thing you’re talking about is closer to the core (i.e. the «essence») of the overarching topic.
What does forsooth mean?
: in truth : indeed —often used to imply contempt or doubt.
Is there a comma before actually at the end of a sentence?
someone who is actually a Hawking’s student, where no comma is required (the word actually can come before or after the verb is, depending on exactly what emphasis you want). And orthographically most of us would either start a new sentence or follow that with a dash, not a comma.
What I ought to do meaning?
phrase. You use ought to to mean that it is morally right to do a particular thing or that it is morally right for a particular situation to exist, especially when giving or asking for advice or opinions. If you get something good, you ought to share it.
How do you use the word review?
«After careful review, we decided to terminate her employment.» «We decided to make changes after a complete review of the policies.» «They did a quick review of their class notes the night before the big test.»
Do you put a comma before right in a question?
If a direct question contained in a sentence is long or has internal punctuation, set the question off with a comma and begin it with a capital letter: … A single question contained in a sentence can also be preceded by a colon as long as the word before the question is not a verb.
What is the fanciest word?
The Top 10 Most Beautiful English Words
- 3 Pluviophile (n.)
- 4 Clinomania (n.)
- 5 Idyllic (adj.)
- 6 Aurora (n.)
- 7 Solitude (n.)
- 8 Supine (adj.)
- 9 Petrichor (n.)
- 10 Serendipity (n.)
What is the most unpopular word?
These Are The ‘Most Hated’ Words in the English Language
- Riddle. Definition: A mystifying, misleading, or puzzling question posed as a problem to be solved or guessed.
- Phlegm. Definition: Viscid mucus secreted in abnormal quantity in the respiratory passages.
- Moist. …
- Moreish. …
- Foetus. …
- Tofu. …
- Trump… …
- Crevice.
Why is F word a bad word?
One folk etymology claims that it derives from “for unlawful carnal knowledge,” but this has been debunked by etymologists. The word became rarer in print in the 18th century when it came to be regarded as vulgar. It was even banned from the Oxford English Dictionary.
Is using actually rude?
Why it doesn’t work: “’Actually’ is a word best saved for conversation,” says Melissa Bessey, founder and president of the Toronto-based public relations firm Media Allure. “Any text using ‘actually’ can too easily sound hostile or make you sound like a know-it-all—either one will be perceived as rude.”
Why do people always say actually?
When you employ «actually,» you’re asserting that you’re the knowledgeable, dominant person who ought to be deferred to — adding the slightest sense of competition to the exchange. Whether customer, friend, or colleague, the person you’re talking to might feel belittled.
How do you start a good sentence?
Good ways to start a sentence
- The most common sentence pattern is to write the subject first, followed by the verb: Weeds are important too because birds eat the seeds.
- Reverse the sentence to begin with the dependent adverbial clause: Because birds eat the seeds, weeds are important too.
Английское слово actually используется чаще в разговорной речи, чем вы думаете. Существует несколько способов использовать его – об этом мы и собираемся поговорить. Что означает actually? Чтобы не загружать вас ненужной и скучной теорией, перейдем непосредственно к практике.
1. Мы используем actually в качестве синонима фразы in fact – фактически, т.е. чтобы указать на какой-либо факт, являющийся актуальным.
- This actually (in fact) happened due to negligence of workers – фактически, это случилось из-за халатности рабочих.
2. Чтобы указать на реальную действительность
- None of those people actually saw the falling star – на самом деле, никто из этих людей не видел падающую звезду
- We dreamt of being married for so long time, that when we actually married it wasn’t like in our dreams – мы так долго мечтали пожениться, что когда мы действительно поженились, это не выглядело как в наших мечтах.
3. Чаще всего actually используется в разговорной речи если необходимо обратить внимание собеседника на какую-то ситуацию, факт или новость – в данном случае мы переведем actually как «кстати, надо сказать, между прочим».
- He he didn’t actually like the cake that I baked for him – между прочим, ему не понравился торт, который я испекла для него.
- That way of introducing yourself is actually a good one – этот способ представиться, между прочим, неплохой.
4. Мы можем использовать actually чтобы уточнить правильность чьего-то высказывания, поведения, намерения. Это звучит как извинение.
- I didn’t actually want to offend you – на самом деле, я не хотел вас обидеть
5. Когда actually используется в разговоре, это слово часто употребляется, чтобы чем-то заполнить неловкую паузу, в этом случае мы часто видим рядом well – well, actually… В данном случае actually не несет никакой смысловой нагрузки, и перевести мы его можем привычным «ну…»
- Well… actually… yes, you are right – ну… да, ты прав.
Предлагаем вам еще несколько примеров с actually
Actually имеет несколько значений в английском языке, особенно это словечко любят употреблять (и злоупотреблять им) в разговорной речи. Как мы увидим далее, очень важно запомнить правила употребления этого слова, потому что оно позволит вам поменять свое мнение по поводу того, что вы сказали.
Употребление actually в значении «thinking again»
Не совсем понятно, о чем идет речь? Все очень просто. Actually употребляется тогда, когда вы сказали то, что на самом деле не хотели говорить, и хотите взять свои слова назад. Или же в случае, когда хотите подкорректировать то, что было вами сказано. Просто нужно поставить actually в начале предложения, и все будет хорошо.
Do you have a pen I could borrow? У Вас нет лишней ручки?
No I don’t. Wait! Actually I have one right here. Нет, нету. Погодите. Одна есть.
Употребление actually в значении “in fact”
То есть в таком случае actually используется для обозначения чего-то неожиданного.
Are you American? Ты американец?
Actually, I’m Australian. Вообще-то, я австралиец.
Употребление actually в значении “really”
Во многих случаях употребление actually равнозначно really. Оно используется, чтобы подчеркнуть, что кто-то сделал или сказал что-то удивительное, неожиданное.
Did you hear what Mary said to Joe at the party last weekend? Ты слышал, что Мэри сказала Джо на вечеринке в прошлые выходные?
I can’t believe she actually said that, that was really mean.
Не могу поверить, что она действительно это сказала, это было очень жестоко.
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Если вы делитесь с кем-то неприятной или нежелательной информацией, actually как бы смягчает удар, который вы им наносите (при переводе на русский такое смягчение может быть незаметным).
Are you coming to the party next week? Приедешь на вечеринку в следующие выходные?
No, I have to work actually. Нет, на самом деле, мне надо работать.
Как я уже говорила, многие любят употреблять actually часто и даже там, где это не нужно. Это уже своего рода слово-паразит, который портит английскую речь. Поэтому советую вам прислушаться к написанному и употреблять actually разумно и не злоупотреблять этим словечком.
You can use the word actually in many ways in English, but you can’t use it to mean “now”. The word actually doesn’t mean “currently” or “at present”. Instead, it’s used when we give information.
Here are the five uses of actually, along with synonyms.
1. To talk about things which are true or which really happened
We can use ‘actually’ in this situation to emphasise that something happened, or to show that the fact could be different from what people think. Some examples:
“What actually happened?”
(Synonym: really. “What really happened?”)
“I’m sorry you didn’t get the job.”
“Well, actually I don’t mind. The commute would have been horrible.”
(Synonyms: In fact / really. “Well, in fact I don’t mind…” / “Well, I don’t mind really…”)
2. For surprising information
When you think that someone will be surprised or maybe not even believe you. Some examples:
“It’s actually quite easy to do this.”
(Synonym: As a matter of fact / In fact, it’s quite easy to do this.”)
Do you mind? Actually, I do.
(Synonym: As a matter of fact / In fact, I do.”)
“It’s funny, actually, but after five days of not eating dairy food, I hate the smell of cheese.”
(Synonym: really. “It’s funny, really, but…”)
“I actually got a reply from the bank!”
(Synonym: “You’re not going to believe this, but…”)
3. Give more details
Use ‘actually’ at the beginning or end of the sentence to add more information. For example:
“They just bought a new house. Actually it’s more like a mansion! / It’s more like a mansion, actually.”
(Synonyms: in fact, literally. “In fact, it’s more like a mansion.” / “It’s literally more like a mansion.”)
4 . Introduce a new topic of conversation
If you want to change the topic of conversation, you can use ‘actually’ to make it more smooth. For example:
“Actually, I wanted to ask you about your friend who does colour consultation…”
(Synonym: “As a matter of fact…”)
5. Contradicting or correcting someone
“Actually” is a polite way to do this. For example:
“Actually, my name is Sue, not Sarah.”
“Well, actually, you aren’t quite right about that…”
(Synonyms: “in actual fact” / “in fact”)
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фактически, на самом деле, действительно, даже, в самом деле, в настоящее время
наречие ↓
- фактически, на самом деле; в действительности; по-настоящему
do you actually mean it? — вы в самом деле имеете это в виду?; вы это всерьёз (говорите)? 
you are actually the only friend I have — по правде говоря, ты мой единственный друг
what political group is actually in power? — какая политическая группировка находится сейчас у власти?
- как ни странно, как ни удивительно; даже
he actually expected me to do this work for him! — подумать только, он рассчитывал /считал/, что я сделаю эту работу за него!
he actually offered to see me off — он даже вызвался проводить меня
he actually swore — он даже выругался
are you living in London? — I am, actually!
Мои примеры
Словосочетания
to be nominally but not actually independent — быть независимым номинально, но не фактически
actually infinite — актуально бесконечный
to intend actually — действительно намереваться
quantity actually bought — фактический объём закупок
actually cognizant — действительно, фактически знающий; действительно знающий
one who actually commits the offense — исполнитель преступления
his marriage was actually an act of faith — он рискнул жениться в уверенности, что брак будет удачным
actually flown trajectory — фактическая траектория полёта
crime actually committed — в действительности совершенное преступление
intend actually — действительно намереваться; действительно умышлять
one who actually perpetrates the deed — исполнитель преступления
Примеры с переводом
Actually, I haven’t seen the film.
Вообще-то, этого фильма я не видел.
No, I’m not a student. I’m a doctor, actually.
Нет, я не студент. Вообще-то, я доктор.
‘Disappointed?’ ‘No, actually I’m rather glad.’
— Разочарованы? — Нет, на самом деле я даже рад.
Actually, I’d rather spend the evening at home.
Вообще-то, я бы предпочёл провести этот вечер дома.
What time are you actually leaving?
В котором часу вы уезжаете на самом деле?
No one actually saw the shark.
На самом деле, акулу никто не видел.
I’m not all that surprised actually.
Вообще-то, я нисколько не удивлён.
ещё 10 примеров свернуть
Возможные однокоренные слова
actual — фактический, действительный, актуальный, настоящий, текущий, подлинный
actualism — актуализм