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in fact & actually
1.       mltm
3690 posts
 27 Nov 2005 Sun 06:04 pm


I know that this is a turkish website, but maybe I can ask you a question.

Could you please explain the difference between in fact and actually with sentences? I didn't understand it very well.

2.       Lyndie
968 posts
 27 Nov 2005 Sun 06:46 pm

There is not too much difference between the meanings. you could use either. The difference is how you use them.
but you would not be wrong if you used either.

'Actually' is used to kind of extend some information you are giving. For example

I went shopping in Izmir, actually I went to Konak.
I cannot speak Turkish, actually I can speak a little.


'In fact' is slightly different. Because you use to emphasise amd/or extend some information and specifically you are saying that something is a FACT (ie True)

So for example.

I like Turkish pop singers. In fact my favourite is Tarkan.
I have lots of exams next week. In fact they are on Monday and Wednesday.

In all of these examples. 'Actually' or 'In fact' could be used. The main difference is that
'in fact' gives more emphasis as well as extending the information.

I hope this is clear.
Don't apologise for asking. This is a Turkish learning site IN FACT, but ACTUALLY I am very happy to help my Turkish friends with their English.








3.       oludenizdollz
80 posts
 27 Nov 2005 Sun 06:56 pm

Well done L I was thinking to reply to this one but I couldn't work out what the difference was as they are interchangable. You explained it perfectly!

4.       mltm
3690 posts
 27 Nov 2005 Sun 07:04 pm

Thank you very much. But now I'm more confused because our teacher (Canadian) gave these examples:

*Everybody thinks she's Russian. Actually she's Moldova.
*Were you ill yesterday?
Actually, I wasn't. I had to go to court.

And he said that we use "in fact" to give additional information which supports our first information. But he said we use "actually" when we give an information that is not compatible with the first one and explains the truth.
And he said that we cannot use them instead of each other.

5.       oludenizdollz
80 posts
 27 Nov 2005 Sun 07:15 pm

Your teacher is not quite right.

You could easily say about myself for example:

Amanda is from England, infact she is from Leeds.
or
Amanda is from England, actually she is from Leeds.
both are acceptable uses.

6.       mltm
3690 posts
 27 Nov 2005 Sun 07:19 pm

Ok thanks. I need to know this, because there will be quiz next week. And he made my mind confused. :-S

7.       Lyndie
968 posts
 27 Nov 2005 Sun 08:33 pm

Just to continue...
What you teacher said is quite similar to what I have said, the

She is from Russia, actually Moldovia' is correct. He is extending the first part of the sentence. But you equally well say
She is from Russia. In fact from Moldovia. Both would be correct in normal English in this instance.

'actually' isn't as STRONG as 'in fact'

So you might say for example.

She is from Russia, actually I think she is from Moldovia' the addition of 'i think' means that you are not sure.

There is really very little difference. A general rule would be that if you are absolutely sure of the statement, use 'in fact' and if it is just an extension of the first part of the statement, as in 'I went shopping in Izmir, you can use either 'in fact' or 'actually'

8.       miss_ceyda
2627 posts
 27 Nov 2005 Sun 08:35 pm

i never thought that the explanation of 3 words could be so long... ... i see that you have a few teaching tricks up your sleeve too lyndie

9.       Lyndie
968 posts
 27 Nov 2005 Sun 08:49 pm

Quoting miss_ceyda:

i never thought that the explanation of 3 words could be so long... ... i see that you have a few teaching tricks up your sleeve too lyndie



Well actually... just take a look at the length of some of the explanations of a SINGLE turkish suffix. Grown men have been known to argue about the subtle differences in the use of suffixes : D: D: D:

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