"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.
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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.
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"Actually" can imply that what was previously thought or said was not accurate. "Really" suggests strong agreement or disbelief, depending on the context.
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"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.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Correction or contrast
Emphasis on truth or intensity
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Implication
Contradiction to prior statement
Affirmation or surprise
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Tone
Often neutral or corrective
Can be neutral, enthusiastic, or incredulous
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Placement in Sentence
Usually at start or mid-sentence
Flexible: start, mid, or end
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Conversational Role
Clarifying or refuting
Emphasizing or questioning
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Actually and Really Definitions
Actually
Revealing New Information
He actually won the lottery last year.
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Really
Expressing Surprise
Really, you've never seen snow?
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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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Really
Emphasizing Truth
I really did finish the project on time.
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Actually
Clarifying a Point
Actually, the meeting is on Thursday, not Friday.
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Really
Amplifying an Adjective
This is really important to me.
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Actually
Correcting a Misconception
I'm actually a vegetarian, not a vegan.
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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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Actually
In fact; in reality
That tree is actually a fir, not a pine.
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Really
To a great degree; very much
I would really like to meet your sister.
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Actually
Used to express wonder, surprise, or incredulity
I actually won the lottery!.
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Really
Very; utterly
That was a really enjoyable evening.
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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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Really
Without a doubt; indeed
Really, I don't want more dessert.
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Actually
(obsolete) Actively.
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Really
Used to express surprise, skepticism, displeasure, or interest
"I've been reading her diary." "Really?".
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Actually
(obsolete) Currently; at the time.
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Really
(literal) In a way or manner that is real, not unreal.
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Actually
Actively.
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Really
(modal) Actually; in fact; in reality.
"He really is a true friend." / "Really? What makes you so sure?"
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Actually
In act or in fact; really; in truth; positively.
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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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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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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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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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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.
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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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Really
Indicating affirmation, agreement.
A: That girl talks about herself way too much.
B: Really. She's a nightmare.
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Actually
At the present moment;
The transmission screen shows the picture that is actually on the air
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Really
Indicating displeasure at another person's behaviour or statement.
Well, really! How rude.
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Actually
Indicating Contrast
Actually, I prefer tea over coffee.
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Really
Royally.
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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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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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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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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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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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Really
Showing Intensity of Feeling
I'm really excited about the trip.
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Really
Seeking Confirmation
Do you really think it's a good idea?
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "really" be used for emphasis?
Yes, "really" is commonly used to emphasize the truth or intensity of a statement.
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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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Is "actually" redundant in some sentences?
Yes, in some contexts, "actually" can be unnecessary and redundant.
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Can "really" be used sarcastically?
Yes, "really" can be used sarcastically to express disbelief or irony.
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Is "actually" used to introduce new information?
Yes, "actually" often introduces information that contrasts with what was previously thought.
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Can "actually" sound confrontational?
Sometimes, depending on the tone and context, "actually" can sound corrective or confrontational.
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Is "really" a filler word in conversation?
It can be, especially when used excessively without adding meaning.
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Is "actually" formal or informal?
"Actually" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
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Is "actually" appropriate for formal writing?
Yes, "actually" can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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Does "actually" imply a previous error?
Often, "actually" implies that what was previously stated was not completely accurate.
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Does "really" intensify adjectives?
Yes, it's commonly used to amplify the degree of adjectives.
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Can "really" be used in questions?
Yes, "really" is frequently used in questions to express surprise or seek confirmation.
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Can "really" be overused in speech?
Yes, overusing "really" can weaken its impact and become repetitive.
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Is "actually" used to express agreement?
Not typically; it's more often used for clarification or correction.
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Nov 23, 2023
Does "actually" always imply truth?
Not always; it's more about contrast or correction than truth per se.
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Can "actually" be used to introduce a positive twist?
Yes, it can introduce information that is more positive or favorable than expected.
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Is "actually" a polite way to correct someone?
It can be, but its perceived politeness depends on the context and tone.
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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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Does "really" change the meaning of a sentence?
It can, especially by adding emphasis or expressing strong emotions.
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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 Saeed
Shumaila 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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