• These are probably among the most misused false friends, undoubtedly due to their incredible similarity with their Spanish counterparts.  However, they have no relation at all!

• Actually and Actual are used to present factual information, usually after another person has said something wrong.  It’s a great way to politely correct someone.  It’s similar in meaning to “real(ly).

Aunt: So you’re going to go to Columbia University?

Niece: Actually, no, I’m going to Northwestern.

Witness in Court: I wasn’t there! I couldn’t have done it!

Lawyer: In actual fact, you were there! The security cameras caught you!

• It can also be used to express the speaker’s surprise at what the speaker is about to say.

I don’t like this Adele song.  Actually, now that I think about it, I don’t like any of her songs! Love her voice, though!

• The Spanish words Actualmente and Actual can be translated as Currently or Current in English. The noun actualidad is translated as Current Events.

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Image courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net