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Few people are aware that an urgent action is needed.
Few people are aware that urgent action is needed. The government should take an action to reduce the birth rate.
The government should take action to reduce the birth rate. When you are talking about the idea or process of doing something, action is uncountable: ‘There is too much talk and not enough action.’ In the phrase take action, action is always uncountable: ‘This illegal trade will continue unless action is taken to stop it.’ actual We’d like to know more about the actual crisis (Not the economic problems of the
past).
We’d like to know more about the present crisis (Not the economic problems of the past). My actual job involves a lot of administration.
My present job involves a lot of administration. actual = real (as opposed what is believed, planned or expected): ‘People think he is over fifty but his actual age is forty-eight.’ ‘Although buses are supposed to run every fifteen minutes, the actual waiting time can be up to an hour.’ present/current = happening or existing now: ‘No one can drive that car in its present condition.’ ‘Her current boyfriend works for Shell.’ actually 1
I never get bored by this city. Actually, each time I return I find something new to
interest me.
I never get bored by this city. In fact, each time I return I find something new to interest me. When actually means ‘in fact’, it is usually used to correct a misunderstanding: ‘People think we’ve got lots of money, but actually we’re quite poor.’ ‘I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.’ - ‘Well actually I’ve only just arrived.’ When you simply want to develop a previous statement, use
