B2adjective1K

Actual

UK /["/ˈæktʃuəl/"]/US /["/ˈæktʃuəl/"]/

Definition

used to emphasize something that is real or exists in fact

In simple words: Real or true; not fake.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

  • real
  • genuine
  • true
  • authentic
  • veritable

Antonyms

  • imaginary
  • hypothetical
  • theoretical

Common mistakes

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