False Friend: Actually
'Actually' is a False Friend* in many languages
e.g. in French, 'actuellement' = 'now, at the moment'.
Perhaps this is what the writer in the example below meant.
*False Friend = a word or expression that has a similar form to one in a person's native language, but a different meaning (e.g. English magazine and French magasin ‘shop’).
Learners often use 'actually' to introduce new information.
But actually, this is not how 'actually' should be used. It has very specific uses.
Meanings and uses of 'actually'
1. to correct somebody in a polite way (though it sometimes sounds a little impolite):
- "Actually, I'm not English. I'm Welsh".
2. to emphasize a fact or a comment, or that something is really true:
- "It's not actually raining at the moment". (it's just cloudy)
Also to emphasize the real or exact truth of a situation, rather than what people may think:
- She looks about 30, but she's actually 45.
3. to show a contrast between what is true and what somebody believes, and to show surprise about this contrast:
- "It was actually much better than I expected."
4. used to get somebody’s attention, to introduce a new topic or to say something that somebody may not like, in a polite way:
- "Can you help me?" "Actually, I'm a bit busy at the moment".
5. to add new information to what you have just said, to give your opinion, or to start a new conversation
- "Actually, on second thoughts, I'd rather stay home tonight."
So what should the writer in the example above do?
Just delete 'actually'.
"Hello, folks.
Hope thing are going well with you!
(I wonder if anyone can help). I'm tutoring a student...."
