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.

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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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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.

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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.

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Nov 23, 2023

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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Nov 13, 2023

Really

Expressing Surprise

Really, you've never seen snow?

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Nov 13, 2023

Actually

Refuting a Previous Statement

I thought you were busy, but actually, I'm free this evening.

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Nov 13, 2023

Really

Emphasizing Truth

I really did finish the project on time.

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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

Really

Amplifying an Adjective

This is really important to me.

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Nov 13, 2023

Actually

Correcting a Misconception

I'm actually a vegetarian, not a vegan.

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Nov 13, 2023

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

Actually

In fact; in reality

That tree is actually a fir, not a pine.

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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

Really

Very; utterly

That was a really enjoyable evening.

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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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Really

Without a doubt; indeed

Really, I don't want more dessert.

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Oct 19, 2023

Actually

(obsolete) Actively.

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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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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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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.

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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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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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Nov 13, 2023

Really

Royally.

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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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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

Really

Showing Intensity of Feeling

I'm really excited about the trip.

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Nov 13, 2023

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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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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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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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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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.

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Nov 23, 2023

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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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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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.