English grammar
False friends: actually, currently, eventually, possibly
Use actually, currently, eventually and possibly with their real English meanings.
From the scene Actually, Ramón wrote this
In short
Actually means in fact, not now; currently means now. Eventually means in the end, not perhaps.
Your turn
Which one goes with now, at the moment?
Options: he'll confess eventually · currently the partners are made to pay · Actually, I've read it ten times.
Show answer
now, at the moment → currently the partners are made to pay
How it works
These four look like words in many other languages, but in English they mean something different.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
Don Ramón? But how do you (blank) know?
Options: eventually · actual · actually
Show answer
Don Ramón? But how do you actually know?
¿Don Ramón? Pero ¿cómo lo sabe usted en realidad?
Good to know
Actually means 'in fact': you use it to correct someone or to say something surprising; it never means 'now'.
Good to know
For 'now', say currently or at the moment. Eventually means 'in the end, after a long time'; it never means 'perhaps'.
Good to know
For 'perhaps', say possibly or maybe.
in fact (a surprise or a correction) Actually, I've read it ten times.
Elena
That review? Actually, I've read it ten times.
¿Esa reseña? En realidad, la he leído diez veces.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
That review? (blank).
Options: Actually, I've read it ten times · Currently the partners are made to pay · He'll confess eventually
Show answer
Elena
That review? Actually, I've read it ten times.
¿Esa reseña? En realidad, la he leído diez veces.
now, at the moment currently the partners are made to pay
Nuria
The author says that currently the partners are made to pay.
El autor dice que actualmente a los socios los hacen pagar.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
The author says that (blank).
Options: Actually, I've read it ten times · he'll confess eventually · currently the partners are made to pay
Show answer
Nuria
The author says that currently the partners are made to pay.
El autor dice que actualmente a los socios los hacen pagar.
in the end, after a long time he'll confess eventually
Elena
Don't say a word to Ramón. He'll confess eventually. Tomorrow I'll take him churros... with salt.
A Ramón no le digáis nada. Al final confesará. Mañana le llevo yo churros... con sal.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Don't say a word to Ramón. (blank). Tomorrow I'll take him churros... with salt.
Options: He'll confess eventually · I've read it ten times · Currently the partners are made to pay
Show answer
Elena
Don't say a word to Ramón. He'll confess eventually. Tomorrow I'll take him churros... with salt.
A Ramón no le digáis nada. Al final confesará. Mañana le llevo yo churros... con sal.
perhaps, maybe tell him? possibly…
Your turn
What goes with tell him? possibly…?
Options: perhaps, maybe · in fact (a surprise or a correction) · now, at the moment
Show answer
tell him? possibly… → perhaps, maybe
another way to say currently at the moment
Common mistake
Not currently or possible here. In the end.
Don't say a word to Ramón. He'll confess eventually. Tomorrow I'll take him churros... with salt.
A Ramón no le digáis nada. Al final confesará. Mañana le llevo yo churros... con sal.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| in fact (a surprise or a correction) | Actually, I've read it ten times. |
|---|---|
| now, at the moment | currently the partners are made to pay |
| in the end, after a long time | he'll confess eventually |
| perhaps, maybe | tell him? possibly… |
| another way to say currently | at the moment |
More lines from the story
- NuriaDon Ramón? But how do you actually know?¿Don Ramón? Pero ¿cómo lo sabe usted en realidad?
- ElenaBecause only Ramón uses the word "dreadful".Porque la palabra «pésimo» solo la usa Ramón.
- ElenaWell, actually, only a partner would know that.Pues, en realidad, eso solo lo sabe un socio.