1
In the following examples, actual is incorrectly used with the intended meaning of ‘current’ or ‘present’:
The actual economic situation is very bad.
The current/present economic situation is very bad.
What is your actual occupation?
What is your present/current occupation?
Actual means ‘real’, as opposed to what is believed, expected or claimed: ‘Everybody calls me Jonny, but my actual name is Ian.’ ‘You say you are 50, but I don’t believe you. What is your actual age?’
2
In the following examples, actually is incorrectly used with the intended meaning of ‘currently’, ‘at present’ or ‘now’:
Actually, I am studying at university.
At present/Currently, I am studying at university.
Fifty years ago, people used to eat much more fruit than actually.
Fifty years ago, people used to eat much more fruit than now.
Actually means ‘in fact’ and often introduces information that corrects or contrasts with what was said or expected: ‘Everybody calls me Jonny, but actually, my name is Ian.’ ‘Actually, I am not 50; I am 59.’