Actually vs. Really: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Actually" often indicates a contrast or correction, while "Really" emphasizes the truth or intensity of a statement.
Key Differences
"Actually" is commonly used to introduce a fact or correction, often implying that the previous information was incorrect or incomplete. "Really" is used to emphasize the truth, surprise, or the intensity of an emotion or situation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
"Actually" often functions to correct or refute a previous statement or assumption. "Really" is primarily used for emphasis, to strengthen the expression of a feeling or fact.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
"Actually" can imply that what was previously thought or said was not accurate. "Really" suggests strong agreement or disbelief, depending on the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
"Actually" is frequently used in conversations to clarify, correct, or provide an unexpected perspective. "Really" is commonly used in informal speech to express strong feelings or to seek confirmation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Tone
Often neutral or corrective
Can be neutral, enthusiastic, or incredulous
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Nov 23, 2023
Placement in Sentence
Usually at start or mid-sentence
Flexible: start, mid, or end
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Nov 23, 2023
Actually and Really Definitions
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Actually
Refuting a Previous Statement
I thought you were busy, but actually, I'm free this evening.
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Nov 13, 2023
Actually
Clarifying a Point
Actually, the meeting is on Thursday, not Friday.
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Nov 13, 2023
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Really
In actual truth or fact
There isn't really a lake there.
It's just a mirage.
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Oct 19, 2023
Really
To a great degree; very much
I would really like to meet your sister.
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Oct 19, 2023
Actually
Used to express wonder, surprise, or incredulity
I actually won the lottery!.
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Oct 19, 2023
Actually
(modal) In act or in fact; really; in truth; positively.
His promises did not correspond with what he actually did.
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Oct 19, 2023
Really
Used to express surprise, skepticism, displeasure, or interest
"I've been reading her diary." "Really?".
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Oct 19, 2023
Really
(modal) Actually; in fact; in reality.
"He really is a true friend." / "Really? What makes you so sure?"
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Oct 19, 2023
Really
Very (modifying an adjective); very much (modifying a verb).
But ma, I really, really want to go to the show!
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Oct 19, 2023
Actually
In actual fact;
To be nominally but not actually independent
No one actually saw the shark
Large meteorites actually come from the asteroid belt
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Oct 19, 2023
Really
Indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information; to express skepticism.
A: He won the Nobel Prize yesterday.
B: Really?
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Oct 19, 2023
Actually
Used to imply that one would expect the fact to be the opposite of that stated; surprisingly;
You may actually be doing the right thing by walking out
She actually spoke Latin
They thought they made the rules but in reality they were only puppets
People who seem stand-offish are in reality often simply nervous
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Oct 19, 2023
Really
Indicating that what was just said was obvious and unnecessary; contrived incredulity
A: I've just been reading Shakespeare - he's one of the best authors like, ever!
B: Really.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Actually
As a sentence modifier to add slight emphasis;
Actually, we all help clear up after a meal
Actually, I haven't seen the film
I'm not all that surprised actually
She hasn't proved to be too satisfactory, actually
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Oct 19, 2023
Really
Indicating affirmation, agreement.
A: That girl talks about herself way too much.
B: Really. She's a nightmare.
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Oct 19, 2023
Actually
At the present moment;
The transmission screen shows the picture that is actually on the air
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Oct 19, 2023
Really
Indicating displeasure at another person's behaviour or statement.
Well, really! How rude.
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Oct 19, 2023
Really
In a real manner; with or in reality; actually; in truth.
Whose anger is really but a short fit of madness.
Why, really, sixty-five is somewhat old.
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Oct 19, 2023
Really
In accordance with truth or fact or reality;
She was now truly American
A genuinely open society
They don't really listen to us
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Oct 19, 2023
Really
In actual fact;
To be nominally but not actually independent
No one actually saw the shark
Large meteorites actually come from the asteroid belt
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Oct 19, 2023
Really
In fact (used as intensifiers or sentence modifiers);
In truth, moral decay hastened the decline of the Roman Empire
Really, you shouldn't have done it
A truly awful book
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Oct 19, 2023
Really
Used as intensifiers; `real' is sometimes used informally for `really'; `rattling' is informal;
She was very gifted
He played very well
A really enjoyable evening
I'm real sorry about it
A rattling good yarn
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "really" be used for emphasis?
Yes, "really" is commonly used to emphasize the truth or intensity of a statement.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Does "really" always indicate truth?
While often used to emphasize truth, "really" can also express surprise or seek confirmation.
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Nov 23, 2023
Is "actually" redundant in some sentences?
Yes, in some contexts, "actually" can be unnecessary and redundant.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Can "really" be used sarcastically?
Yes, "really" can be used sarcastically to express disbelief or irony.
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Nov 23, 2023
Is "actually" used to introduce new information?
Yes, "actually" often introduces information that contrasts with what was previously thought.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can "actually" sound confrontational?
Sometimes, depending on the tone and context, "actually" can sound corrective or confrontational.
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Nov 23, 2023
Is "really" a filler word in conversation?
It can be, especially when used excessively without adding meaning.
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Nov 23, 2023
Is "actually" formal or informal?
"Actually" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Is "actually" appropriate for formal writing?
Yes, "actually" can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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Nov 23, 2023
Does "actually" imply a previous error?
Often, "actually" implies that what was previously stated was not completely accurate.
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Nov 23, 2023
Does "really" intensify adjectives?
Yes, it's commonly used to amplify the degree of adjectives.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can "really" be used in questions?
Yes, "really" is frequently used in questions to express surprise or seek confirmation.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can "really" be overused in speech?
Yes, overusing "really" can weaken its impact and become repetitive.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Is "actually" used to express agreement?
Not typically; it's more often used for clarification or correction.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Does "actually" always imply truth?
Not always; it's more about contrast or correction than truth per se.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Can "actually" be used to introduce a positive twist?
Yes, it can introduce information that is more positive or favorable than expected.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Is "actually" a polite way to correct someone?
It can be, but its perceived politeness depends on the context and tone.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
Does "really" have different meanings in different contexts?
Yes, its meaning can vary from emphasis to surprise, depending on the context.
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Nov 23, 2023
Does "really" change the meaning of a sentence?
It can, especially by adding emphasis or expressing strong emotions.
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Nov 23, 2023
Is "really" used differently in British and American English?
The usage is largely similar, though there may be slight differences in colloquial expressions.
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Nov 23, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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