actually · adv
actually (OPPOSITE)
B2 used when you are correcting someone, disagreeing with someone, or saying no to a request
Dictionary examples:
Actually, it was Tuesday of last week, not Wednesday. (12.0)
"Do you mind if I smoke?" "Actually, I'd rather you didn't." (22.7)
"You didn't tell me about needing the car." "Actually, I did." (22.7)
actually (TRUTH)
A2 used when you are emphasizing what is really true or what really happened
Dictionary examples:
I'm not sleeping in class; I'm actually thinking very hard. (0.0)
The dog didn't eat my homework; I actually forgot it. (0.0)
My phone isn't broken; I actually forgot to turn it on. (0.0)
So what actually happened? (11.5)
I don't actually like seafood. (47.6)
actually (SURPRISE)
B1 used when you are emphasizing something surprising
Dictionary examples:
I thought I failed the test, but I actually got the highest score! (0.0)
The 'angry' boss wasn't mad. He actually wanted to give me a raise! (0.0)
The 'broken' computer wasn't broken. It was actually just unplugged! (0.0)
Don't tell me he actually paid! (14.2)
An old friend of mine from college was actually at the same concert - I hadn't seen her for years! (27.1)