2017-04-07 ‘Actually’, ‘in fact’ and ‘well’ – Learners’ Questions

‘Actually’, ‘in fact’ and ‘well’

Yukki in Japan asks: Could you please tell me the difference between actually, in fact and well? 

Dan 
Hi guys! Dan here for BBC Learning English with this week’s Learner Question. Find out what it is after this.

OK! This week’s learner question comes from Yukki from Japan, who says, “Could you please tell me the difference between actually, in fact and well? I think all of them can be used to correct the previous utterance. Is there any difference between them?”

Well, Yukki, they’re all very similar, but there are slight differences in use. Both actually and in fact can be used to modify or contradict a previous statement. For example, my friend, here, thinks I’m a doctor but in fact I’m a dentist. 

Actually and in fact can also be used to introduce more detailed information or to make things clearer or more precise. For example, my friend, here, is so boring that I actually I fell asleep while he was talking to me.

Well is more widely used as a discourse marker than actually or in fact are. It is most often used to indicate that we’re about to say something. And it’s sometimes used to give the speaker more time to think. For example, how much are you looking to spend? Well, about £200.

It can also introduce a statement which shows that expectations have not been fulfilled. For example, have you finished your homework? Well, I’ve half-finished it!

Finally, it can be used to soften corrections or criticisms. For example, you do like my dress don’t you? Well, it’s not your best.

I hope that answers your question, Yukki. Thank you very much for writing. If anybody else out there has a question for Learners’ Questions, you can email us on: learning.english@bbc.co.uk. Please remember to put Learners’ Questions in the subject box and your name and where you’re writing from. We can’t answer every single question, guys, we just get too many, but we do read every single one of them. And, for more information, go to our website: www.bbc-story.com That’s it for this week’s Learners’ Questions. I’ll see you next time. Bye!

Summary

Actually and in fact

Both actually and in fact can be used to modify or contradict a previous statement. 
He thinks I’m a doctor but in fact I’m a dentist.

Actually and in fact can introduce more detailed information or to make things clearer or more precise.
He’s so boring that I actually I fell asleep while he was talking.

Well is commonly used to indicate that someone is about to speak or as a spacer, giving the speaker a little bit more thinking time.
A: How much are you looking to spend?
B: Well, about £200.

Well can also introduce a statement that shows expectations have not been fulfilled.
A: Have you finished your homework?
B: Well, I’ve half-finished it!

Well can also soften corrections or criticisms.
A: You do like my dress don’t you?
B: Well, it’s not your best.