How to spell actually
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
actually
A-C-T-U-A-L-L-Y
The part to watch: actual + ly, so it has a double l. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Actual ends in l, and -ly starts with l, so actually has two l letters side by side. Many people write only one.
Actually is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with the -ly ending. Most of these words are made by adding -ly to a root word. Spell the root first, then add -ly. A root ending in -le swaps the -le for -ly, as probable becomes probably.
The root, actual, ends in l, and -ly starts with l, so the word has a double l.
Common mistakes with actually
- Wrong: actualyRight: actually
- Wrong: actullyRight: actually
A way to remember it
Write "actual", then add "ly" without changing anything. The two l letters meet in the middle.
Actually in syllables
ac · tu · al · ly
Actually has 4 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
I thought it would rain, but it actually stayed sunny.
Actually on the statutory list
Actually is on the Year 3 and 4 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England, printed there as actual(ly). Children are taught these words in Years 3 and 4, when they are 7 to 9.
From the same entry
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with actually, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with the -ly ending
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as actually.
More words
Questions parents ask
Which other words double their l like actually?
Any word ending in -al keeps its l when -ly is added: usually, finally, really and naturally all have a double l.
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