Alternatives for Actually

Alternatives is a recurring post in which I give synonyms for an over used word. Click on the tab above for a "complete" list of over used words.

Today's word is:

Actually, I don't think its possible to eliminate all "ly" adverbs from our writing.

However, we can use ones that are not so common. Some of these come in through the back door, so to speak. Which word you choose all depends on the context in which you use it.

Personally, (ah hem) I've long been rather fond of indubitably. I like how it sort of skips over my teeth and tongue and tumbles out my lips as if it's about to fall flat on it's face.


Here are your alternatives.

absolutely, accurately, admittedly, almost, as a matter of fact

certainly, considerably

de facto

essentially, exactly, existing

forsooth, frankly

genuinely

honestly

immanently, importantly, in (all) actuality, in effect, in fact, in point of fact, in reality, in truth, indeed, indisputably, indubitably

just

literally

materially, meaningfully

nearly

physically, positively, practically, precisely

real, realistically, really, right

sharp, significantly, simply, smack-dab, squarely, substantially

tangibly, to be sure, truly

undoubtedly, unquestionably

verily, veritable, virtually

"Actually, my dear, I don't give a damn."
"Verily, my dear, I don't give a damn."
"Realistically, my dear, I don't give a damn."
"Admittedly, my dear, I don't give a damn."

None of these work. But this one does.

Got an over used word? Let me know. If it's not already on my list, I'll add it and will *eventually* get around to finding the alternatives.