Actually/Currently

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What’s the difference between actually and currently?

Actually is a false friend; this means that although it looks similar to words in other languages, it has a different meaning in English.

These words from other languages can often be translated with the adverb currently or similar expressions.

Keep reading to master the difference between actually and currently, then put your knowledge to the test in the free exercises.

Example

Jonas is a football fanatic. He knows all the teams, their players and the latest gossip. He can quote current player statistics too.

He plays a lot of fantasy footbal, and the imaginary team always wins. But his actual footbal team loses every match.

Actually, that’s not true. They won three matches last season.

Actual/Actually

Actual means real:

Example:: He plays a lot of fantasy football, and the imaginary team always wins. But his actual football team loses every match.

Actually means in fact or really:

Example:: Actually, that’s not true. They won three matches last season.

We often use actual and actually to introduce surprising information or to correct mistakes.

Example:: Actually, his actual team aren’t very successful.; = In fact, his real team aren’t very successful.

Present, Current, Up to Date, the Latest, Now etc.

If we want to talk about something happening now or at the present time, we can use the following expressions: current(ly), present, up to date, at the moment, at present, now, the latest etc.

Examples:: Jonas is a football fanatic. He knows all the teams, their players and the latest gossip. He can quote current player statistics too.; He is currently playing in a local football league, but soon he will change teams.