Why 'Actually' Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means
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Why 'Actually' Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means
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About this listen
You know the word "actually" means "in reality" — but why does it sometimes sound polite and sometimes sound passive-aggressive? In this episode, we break down the four ways native speakers actually use "actually": softening corrections, expressing surprise, emphasizing clarity, and (if you're not careful) sounding defensive. The dictionary definition only tells part of the story. This episode teaches you how tone and context turn a simple word into a powerful tool for managing conversations — or accidentally starting arguments.
About The Host
LJ is a TESOL-certified ESL teacher and the founder of The Immersion Studio, where language learning is about meaning, voice, and cultural fluency — not just mechanics. If you're looking for private English lessons that go deeper than textbook grammar, visit www.theimmersionstudio.com to learn more about working with LJ one-on-one. The Immersion Studio offers personalized teaching rooted in The Fluent Framework: a philosophy that treats fluency as a relationship, not a checklist.
Connect with LJ:
- Website: www.theimmersionstudio.com
- Instagram: @theimmersion.studio
- Book a lesson: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/6876400