The most useful actually synonym is in fact, followed by really, in reality, as it happens and truly. Each one points to what is true, often in contrast to what someone expected or assumed.
Actually does more social work than most adverbs. It can correct a mistake, add a surprising detail, soften a polite no or simply fill a pause. Because of that, a swap that fits a report may sound stiff in a text, and a casual one may sound flippant in an email. The groups below match each word to the job it does.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
in fact, really, in reality, as it happensPart of speech
Adverb, often a sentence adverbMost formal
in actuality, in reality, indeedMost casual
for real, honestly, funnily enoughAntonyms
supposedly, apparently, theoreticallyWatch out
In several European languages a similar word means currently. In English, actually never means now.
Four jobs actually does
| Job | Try | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Stating the real fact | in fact, in reality, really | In reality, the trip took four hours, not two. |
| Surprise or correction | as it happens, believe it or not | As it happens, I grew up on that street. |
| Polite softener | to be honest, well | Well, I would prefer tea. |
| Real, not imagined | in practice, in person | We have never met in person. |
For stronger emphasis on truth, see truly and definitely.
Formal or friendly: an actually synonym for each setting
Tone in the actually chips rises from casual on one end to formal on the other. Really is the friendliest swap and fits chat. As it happens sounds relaxed and a little British. In fact is the all-purpose choice that works in speech and writing alike. In reality sets a fact against a belief or plan. In actuality tops the list for formality and may feel heavy, so save it for dense prose.
In business writing, in fact and in practice do most of the work. Indeed is fine in formal essays but rare in everyday speech in the US.
Replacing actually, line by line
- The test was actually easy becomes the test was in fact easy.
- Actually, I think you are right becomes to be honest, I think you are right.
- We thought sales were up, but they actually fell becomes but in reality they fell.
- Did she actually say that becomes did she really say that.
- Actually, the bakery shuts at six becomes as it happens, the bakery shuts at six.
- The plan works on paper, but will it actually work becomes will it work in practice.
A support agent replying to a customer wrote: "Actually, your order shipped yesterday." It read as a correction, almost a scold. The revised reply says: "Good news, your order shipped yesterday." Sometimes the best swap for actually is no adverb at all, just a friendlier opening.
When to cut it instead
In speech, actually often adds nothing: I actually fed the cat means the same as I fed the cat. Writing guides list it with words like basically, very and really as easy cuts. Keep it only when you are contrasting truth with an expectation.
Used too often in conversation, it can also sound like you keep correcting people. In meetings, try one more point or to add to that instead of starting with actually.
Swaps that do not quite work
Literally means exactly as the words say. It overlaps with actually only for physical facts, like we literally walked ten miles, and many readers dislike it used for emphasis. Currently and presently are about time, so they never replace actually in English, a common slip for learners. Obviously adds that the listener should have known, which can sound rude. Practically means almost, so practically finished is not the same as actually finished.
Opposites: words for what only seems true
Where actually points to the real situation, its antonyms describe appearances or claims: supposedly, apparently, seemingly and allegedly. For ideas that have not been tested, use theoretically or hypothetically.
- The shortcut was supposedly faster, but it added ten minutes.
- He is nominally the manager, but his boss makes every decision.
For contrast between belief and fact, browse our transition words hub, next to however.
Frequently asked questions
Which actually swap suits formal writing?
In fact and in reality are the safest formal swaps. In actuality is even more formal but can sound heavy in short pieces.
Does in fact mean the same as actually?
Almost always. In fact can also add a stronger point to the one before, as in the room was cold, in fact freezing.
Is it rude to start a sentence with actually?
It can be, because it signals a correction. Softer openings are to be honest, as it happens or simply stating the fact.
Can I use really in place of actually?
Yes in questions and casual speech, as in did he really leave. In formal writing, in fact or in reality is clearer.
Is there an antonym for actually?
Supposedly, apparently and theoretically are the usual antonyms. They describe what seems or is claimed to be true.
Does actually mean currently?
No. Speakers of some European languages make this slip because of a similar word in their own language. In English, use currently or now for time.