actually
adv. being in existence, real or factual
in actual fact; really
adj. actual
Syn. truly
They were actually very good soccer players.
The actual time allotted to complete the test is two hours.
She says it’s a good movie, though she hasn’t actually seen it.
Yes, I know he looks very young, but he’s actually 45.
(showing surprise) He not only invited me in but he actually offered me a drink!
For the first time in years, the rate of inflation has actually fallen.
Common Errors:
We need to produce and export more than we do actually.
We need to produce and export more than we do at present.
actually = strange as it may seem; in fact (despite what is said or thought): ‘People think we’ve got lots of money, but actually we’re very poor.’ at present = now