B2adjective 1K

Actual

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈæktʃuəl/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈæktʃuəl/"]/

Meaning of Actual

used to emphasize something that is real or exists in fact

In simple words: Real or true; not fake.

Actual in a sentence

• James looks younger than his wife but **in actual fact** *(= really)* he is five years older.
• The actual cost was higher than we expected.
• The actual number of unemployed is more than 15 million.
• What were his actual words?
• A variety of factors could cause our actual results to differ from the expected results.
• The story of the film is based on actual events and people.
• The rehearsal was fabulous, the actual performance even better.
• The wedding preparations take weeks but the actual ceremony takes less than an hour.

How to use Actual

Use 'actual' when you want to emphasize that something is real. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in casual conversations unless clarifying a misunderstanding.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'actual' as 'act true'—it represents the truth of a situation.

Related words

Collocations with Actual

• actual size
• actual cost
• actual facts
• actual event
• actual performance

Synonyms for Actual

• real
• genuine
• true
• authentic
• veritable

Opposites of Actual

• imaginary
• hypothetical
• theoretical

Common mistakes with Actual

• Confused with 'current' when discussing time.
• Overused in casual speech, leading to redundancy.
• Incorrectly assumes a negative connotation, when it's neutral.

Frequently asked questions about Actual

What does Actual mean?

Real or true; not fake.

What is the definition of Actual?

used to emphasize something that is real or exists in fact

How do you use Actual in a sentence?

James looks younger than his wife but **in actual fact** *(= really)* he is five years older.

Can you give another example of Actual?

The actual cost was higher than we expected.

What are synonyms for Actual?

Common alternatives include real, genuine, true, authentic, veritable.

What is the opposite of Actual?

Opposite meanings include imaginary, hypothetical, theoretical.

What words go with Actual?

It commonly pairs with actual size, actual cost, actual facts, actual event, actual performance.

What are common mistakes when using Actual?

Confused with 'current' when discussing time. Overused in casual speech, leading to redundancy. Incorrectly assumes a negative connotation, when it's neutral.

How do you pronounce Actual?

US: /["/ˈæktʃuəl/"]/, UK: /["/ˈæktʃuəl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Actual?

Use 'actual' when you want to emphasize that something is real. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in casual conversations unless clarifying a misunderstanding.

What CEFR level is Actual?

"Actual" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.