Actually: the two words that mean the opposite of what you think

Objective & content

This Grammar Fix video (about 4 minutes) fixes one trap: two English words that look like words in the learners' language but mean something else. Learners use actually for "right now" and eventually for "maybe". Freya (British) and Cody (American) give the real meanings: actually is "in fact", eventually is "in the end". They give the right words for the other meanings: currently and possibly. Both words stay useful. Students repeat Actually, I agree and He eventually finished, then play a three-round game.

Pedagogical guide

Many European languages have a similar word with the other meaning. French actuellement, German aktuell, Polish aktualnie and Dutch actueel mean "currently". French éventuellement, German eventuell, Polish ewentualnie and Dutch eventueel mean "possibly". Expect the mistake in any class.

Watch for the opposite problem: some students then avoid actually and eventually completely. The game tests it. Round two needs eventually, round three needs actually. Praise correct use of both words. The video does not drill the wrong meanings. Do the same: give the right word.

Suggested procedure

1. Before (2 min). Write actually and eventually on the board. Ask which word in their language looks like each one, and what it means.
2. Watch (4 min). Play the video once. Students repeat aloud when the hosts say "Say them with me".
3. Game (3 min). Play the game again. Both sentences are on screen and spoken. Pause at each thinking beat ("Have a think", "Hmm... let's see", "Which is it") and ask the class to vote. Explain each answer by its meaning.
4. After (3 min). In pairs, students say what each word means and which word they use for "right now" and for "maybe".

Materials & prerequisites

• The video, a screen and sound for the whole class.
• The examples are at about B1- level. Students need simple past and present continuous sentences.

Assessment & extensions

Write four sentences, each missing one word: actually, eventually, currently or possibly. Pairs say why each word fits, then choose it. Listen for the reason, not only the answer.