I used to say “actually” in almost every sentence.
“Actually, I think that’s right.”
“Actually, I already sent the file.”
“Actually, I don’t agree.”
It sounded polite in my head — but to others, it made me sound unsure.
Almost like I was correcting someone or apologizing without meaning to.
One day, a colleague smiled and said,
“You don’t need ‘actually’ all the time — your point is already clear.”
That hit me.
I realized “actually” had become a habit filler, like “um” or “you know.”
I was using it to sound softer, but it only made me sound less confident.
So I tried removing it.
“I think that’s right.”
“I already sent the file.”
“I don’t agree.”
Same meaning — but stronger, cleaner, more direct.
It took practice. I still catch myself saying it sometimes.
But now, when I do, I pause and ask:
Does this word add value, or just fill space?
Most times, silence is stronger than “actually.”
Try it today. Record yourself speaking or re-read one of your emails.
You might be surprised how often “actually” sneaks in.
Clarity grows when you say less — and mean more.
P.S. If you found this in your Promotions tab, just drag it to Primary — that tells Gmail you want to keep hearing from me.
Until next time,
Raghavendra M (ClipYourEnglish)