Really vs. Actually — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 8, 2024
"Really" emphasizes truth or intensity, while "actually" corrects or contrasts a previous statement or belief.
Difference Between Really and Actually
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Really is used to emphasize the truthfulness, authenticity, or intensity of a statement. It often amplifies the sentiment expressed, reinforcing the speaker's point or the factual nature of the statement. For example, when someone says, "I really enjoyed the movie," they are stressing their genuine enjoyment and the degree to which they liked it. On the other hand, actually is often used to introduce a fact or detail that may correct or contrast with what has been previously said or assumed. For instance, in response to a claim, saying, "Actually, the event starts at 7 PM, not 8 PM," serves to correct the information given.
While really can be used to strengthen a statement or express surprise, actually tends to be more factual or corrective in nature, often providing clarification or an unexpected fact. For example, the use of really in "Are you really going to do that?" conveys surprise or doubt, while actually in "I'm actually not from around here" offers clarification.
Really can also be used for emphasis without necessarily relating to the truthfulness of a statement. For instance, "It's really cold outside" emphasizes the degree of coldness rather than the truth of the weather being cold. Conversely, actually can introduce information that might be surprising or contrary to what is expected, as in "She looks unfriendly, but she's actually very kind."
The use of really and actually can significantly impact the tone of a conversation. Really can express enthusiasm, surprise, or agreement, making it common in casual and emphatic speech. In contrast, actually might imply correction or contradiction, which can sometimes come across as pedantic or confrontational if not used carefully.
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Emphasize truth, authenticity, intensity.
Correct, contrast, or provide new information.
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Connotation
Can enhance sentiment or express surprise.
Often factual, corrective, sometimes surprising.
Example Usage
"I really like this song."
"Actually, I've never been there before."
Tone
Emphatic, agreeable, surprised.
Corrective, clarifying, sometimes contradictory.
Context
Casual conversations, storytelling.
Providing clarifications, corrections.
Compare with Definitions
Really
Used for emphasis or to express surprise.
I really didn't expect to win.
Actually
Used to introduce factual content, often correcting a misconception.
Actually, the capital of Australia is Canberra, not Sydney.
Really
Can amplify a statement's sentiment.
It's really important to vote.
Actually
Can contrast with a previous statement or assumption.
I thought you were busy. - Actually, I just finished.
Really
Can indicate skepticism or questioning when used in questions.
Do you really think that's a good idea?
Actually
Sometimes used to soften a statement or rejection.
Actually, I'm not a big fan of horror movies.
Really
Often used in positive contexts to strengthen agreement.
I really appreciate your help.
Actually
Can imply a mild correction without being confrontational.
Actually, we met before, at John's party.
Really
To affirm the authenticity or intensity of an action or feeling.
She really cares about the project.
Actually
Often precedes surprising or unexpected information.
Actually, I've decided to take the job offer.
Really
In actual truth or fact
There isn't really a lake there.
It's just a mirage.
Actually
Actually (stylised as Pet Shop Boys, actually.) is the second studio album by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys. It was released on 7 September 1987 by Parlophone in the United Kingdom and by EMI Manhattan in the United States and Canada.
Really
To a great degree; very much
I would really like to meet your sister.
Actually
As the truth or facts of a situation; really
We must pay attention to what young people are actually doing
Really
Very; utterly
That was a really enjoyable evening.
Actually
Used to emphasize that something someone has said or done is surprising
He actually expected me to be pleased about it!
Really
Without a doubt; indeed
Really, I don't want more dessert.
Actually
In fact; in reality
That tree is actually a fir, not a pine.
Really
Used to express surprise, skepticism, displeasure, or interest
"I've been reading her diary." "Really?".
Actually
Used to express wonder, surprise, or incredulity
I actually won the lottery!.
Really
(literal) In a way or manner that is real, not unreal.
Actually
(modal) In act or in fact; really; in truth; positively.
His promises did not correspond with what he actually did.
Really
(modal) Actually; in fact; in reality.
"He really is a true friend." / "Really? What makes you so sure?"
Actually
(obsolete) Actively.
Really
Very (modifying an adjective); very much (modifying a verb).
But ma, I really, really want to go to the show!
Actually
(obsolete) Currently; at the time.
Really
Indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information; to express skepticism.
A: He won the Nobel Prize yesterday.
B: Really?
Actually
Actively.
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.
Actually
In act or in fact; really; in truth; positively.
Really
Indicating affirmation, agreement.
A: That girl talks about herself way too much.
B: Really. She's a nightmare.
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
Really
Indicating displeasure at another person's behaviour or statement.
Well, really! How rude.
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
Really
Royally.
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
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.
Actually
At the present moment;
The transmission screen shows the picture that is actually on the air
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
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
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
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
Common Curiosities
Can "really" be used to express disbelief?
Yes, "really" can express disbelief or surprise, especially when used in questions or with a skeptical tone.
Can "actually" be used to introduce positive surprises?
Yes, "actually" can introduce positive surprises or unexpected positive twists in a conversation.
How does the tone differ when using "really" versus "actually"?
"Really" can be enthusiastic or agreeable, while "actually" might come across as corrective or clarifying, sometimes implying a contradiction.
Is it appropriate to use "really" in formal writing?
"Really" can be used in formal writing for emphasis, but it should be done sparingly to maintain a professional tone.
Is "actually" always corrective?
While "actually" often corrects or contrasts, it can also introduce facts without directly correcting someone.
How does the context affect the use of "really" and "actually"?
The context, such as casual conversation or formal discussion, can influence the appropriateness and perceived tone of using "really" and "actually."
How do "really" and "actually" affect the clarity of communication?
Both words can enhance communication clarity— "really" by emphasizing and "actually" by correcting or providing new information.
How does "really" enhance a statement?
"Really" enhances a statement by emphasizing its truth, intensity, or the speaker's strong feelings about it.
When is "actually" typically used?
"Actually" is used to correct, contrast, or introduce new, often surprising or factual information.
Can "actually" imply politeness in corrections?
Yes, "actually" can be used to politely correct someone or clarify information, softening the potential bluntness of the correction.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
