B2adjectiveworkmoney
US/ˈæk.tʃu.əl/
UK/ˈæk.tʃu.əl/
real or true, especially when compared with what was expected, planned or believed
In context
The actual cost of the trip was much higher than we had planned.
He looks young, but his actual age is over forty.
We've talked about the project for months, but the actual work starts tomorrow.
Words that go with actual
adjective + noun
- actual costThe actual cost was twice the original estimate.
- actual numberThe actual number of people affected may be much higher.
- actual factIn actual fact, the plan was never approved.
- actual sizeThe picture shows the insect at its actual size.
- actual resultsCompare the actual results with your predictions.
- actual wordsI can't remember his actual words, but he was very angry.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
In actual, the price was much higher.Correct: In actual fact, the price was much higher.