actually
adverb OPAL S
/ˈæktʃuəli/
/ˈæktʃuəli/
- used in speaking to emphasize a fact or a comment, or that something is really true
- What did she actually say?
- It's not actually raining now.
- The book was never actually published.
- I'm glad we were actually able to get the message across.
- That's the only reason I'm actually going.
- There are lots of people there who can actually help you.
- I didn't want to say anything without actually reading the letter first.
- used to show a contrast between what is true and what somebody believes, and to show surprise about this contrast
- It was actually kind of fun after all.
- The food was not actually all that expensive.
- Our turnover actually increased last year.
- I couldn't believe it had all actually happened.
- used to correct somebody in a polite way
- We're not American, actually. We're Canadian.
- Actually, it would be much more sensible to do it later.
- They're not married, actually.
- used to get somebody’s attention, to introduce a new topic or to say something that somebody may not like, in a polite way
- Actually, I'll be a bit late home.
- Actually, I'm busy at the moment—can I call you back?
- Well, actually, I think she's done a pretty good job.
Which Word? actual / current / presentactual / current / present- Actual does not mean current or present. It means ‘real’ or ‘exact’, and is often used in contrast with something that is not seen as real or exact:
- I need the actual figures, not an estimate.
- Present means ‘existing or happening now’:
- How long have you been in your present job?
- Current also means ‘existing or happening now’, but can suggest that the situation is temporary:
- The factory cannot continue its current level of production.
- Actually does not mean ‘at the present time’. Use currently, at present or at the moment instead.