Could we retire the word "actually"?

[trof]

If you make a declarative statement about something you witnessed, why does it have to be prefaced by "actually".? If you saw it or experienced it, and you're telling me about it, I just assume that it "actually" happened.
Either that or you're a damned liar.

I notice this more and more in everyday conversation and also on CNN.
It's getting worse than "like".
"So like we went to Hardee's? And they were like out of curly fries? And I said like What's up with THAT?"

[Liberal Veteran]

1. Actually, we can not.

It would be like actually wrong to not use this word.

[MichaelSoE]

2. Beat me to the punch.

[pinboy3niner]

7. Me, too

[trof]

3. Like why not, actually?

[pinboy3niner]

8. Of you really are determined to insist on an answer (actually)...

[Amaril]

21. Totally stole my answer as well

[bluesbassman]

4. At the end of the day, does it actually matter?

No charge for the twofer.

[trof]

5. It's hopeless.

<sigh>

[Kali]

6. are you actually talking about me?

I know I over use that one.

[HopeHoops]

9. Actually, no.

[reformist2]

10. Actually, I think really is a bigger problem word. Really.

[trof]

11. "Really?"

"No, fictionally."

[kwassa]

12. Actually, really.

[Baitball Blogger]

23. That's why I spell it, "rilly?"

It gives it punch and keeps it fresh, actually.

[derby378]

13. Guilty as charged

I feel the same way about people who begin and end every sentence with "so."

Case in point: "So I'm at the grocery store, and I'm getting some guacamole dip for home, and it just went up a dime over the past week, so..."

And there's nothing after the last "so." It just stops there. Why?

[lastlib]

14. Hopefully.

[bigwillq]

15. Jeez, who let the Actually Hater into the Lounge.

[7wo7rees]

16. We'd have some explaining to do

Why did this make a quarter-billion dollars and get a 78 at imdb ?

[madinmaryland]

17. Actually, someone who suggests that should be forced to buy dinner for

Chris Christie.

[Odin2005]

18. Actually, no.

[rbrnmw]

19. while we are at it can we lose the phrase

"that's exactly right" ?

[reformist2]

24. Exactly!

[retread]

20. You actually went to Hardee's for curly fries??

[Major Nikon]

22. How about veritably?

Or...

Naturally

Certainly

Positively

Doubtlessly

Surely

Truly

Undeniably

Strictly speaking

In actuality

In truth

As a mater of fact

In point of fact

[alphafemale]

25. Actually, maybe you shouldn't let people know what bugs you.

Because, actually there are some annoying shits here on DU who will never let you alone now.

heh

[lunatica]

26. I use it to correct misconceptions or falsehoods

So my answer is no.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

27. Bottom line: No.

Actually, we could like stop using it, but really we won't stop. Even if we like think outside the box.

[cleanhippie]

28. only if "Anyways" can go too!

As well as "To be honest,..."

[kentauros]

29. In fact, in reality, at this time, at present, as a matter of fact, really, in truth,

no.

actually (adv.)
early 15c., "in fact, in reality" (as opposed to in possibility), from actual + -ly (2). Meaning "actively, vigorously" is from mid-15c.; that of "at this time, at present" is from 1660s. As an intensive added to a statement and suggesting "as a matter of fact, really, in truth" it is attested from 1762.

[trof]

30. OK, also "The FACT of the matter is..."

Anytime I hear a politician say this I KNOW that whatever follows is a lie.

[kentauros]

31. I can ignore that one more than

"Make no mistake"

Argh!!!

[yawnmaster]

32. In most cases no...

it has a use.
it can express some disbelief...as in "it actually happened!".
or it can express sarcasm as in... "actually, you are wrong".
etc.