Actual and actually

Actual is often used in speaking in the expression ‘in actual fact’. It has a similar meaning to ‘in fact’, but it gives more emphasis to what the speaker is saying:

In actual fact, her health a year ago was much worse.

Actually is often used in speaking as a discourse marker. We use it to indicate a new topic of conversation or a change or contrast in what is being talked about. We also use actually to give more detail about a topic. We do not use it to refer to time:

A:

I suppose you’re going away this weekend?

B:

Actually, I am going to stay at home. I’ve got a lot of work to do on the computer.

[a customer (A) in a large bookshop is asking about books about travel.]

A:

Could you tell me where your books on Austria are kept?

B:

What kind of books?

A:

Well, actually I’m looking for a book on skiing in Austria.

B:

Er, yes, they’re in that corner over there.

We can use actually to emphasise a contrast with what is expected to be true or real:

He actually admitted that he enjoyed it. (He was not expected to enjoy it)

A:

Where are they now?

B:

They’re very near to your apartment actually. (They were not expected to be so near)