Page 40 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

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She was so angry that she actually tore up the letter.
How did you get on with my car?'" Well, actually, I'm terribly sorry, I'm
afraid I had a crash.
He's twelve, but he actually still believes in Father Christmas.
They can be used to correct mistakes or misunderstandings. The book says she died aged 47, but her actual age was 43. Hello, John. Nice to see you. -Actually, my name's Andy.
Actually is more common in British than American English. 'false friends'
Actual and actually are 'false friends' for people who speak some languages. They do not mean the same as, for example, actuel(lement), aktuell, or attual(ment)e. We express these ideas with present, current, up to date; at this moment, now, at present.
What's our current financial position?
(NOT ••• Bur flCfttttl pnttneia1l'BSUiBU7)
In 1900 the population ofLondon was higher than it is now.
(NOT ••• them it etetftetlly is.)
adjectives (1): normal position
two positions
Most adjectives can go in two main places in a sentence.
a with a noun, usually before it. This is called 'attributive position'.
The new secretary doesn't like me.
He's going out with a rich businesswoman.
In older English (see 392), it was quite common to put adjectives after nouns, especially in poetry and songs.
He came from his palace grand.
In modern English, this only happens in a few cases (see 13). For adjectives before personal pronouns (e.g. Poor you!), see 429.7.
b after be, seem, look, become and other 'link verbs' (see 328). This is called 'predicative position'.
That dress is new, isn't it?
She looks rich. I feel unhappy.
adjectives used only before nouns
Some adjectives are used only (or mostly) before nouns. After verbs, other words must be used. Common examples:
elder and eldest Compare:
My elder sister is a pilot. She's three years older than me.
live /lruv/ (meaning 'not dead') Compare: a live fish It's still alive.
old (referring to relationships that have lasted a long time) an old friend (not the same as a friend who is old)
little (see 534) Compare:
a nice little house The house is quite smalL
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