Hello there! As an expert in the field of linguistics and English language, I'm here to provide you with a comprehensive answer to your question. Let's delve into the intricacies of the word "actually" and its usage in the English language.

Firstly, it's important to understand that the English language is rich with words that can serve multiple functions. "Actually" is one such versatile word. It can be used as an adverb, but it can also be used in other ways depending on the context. Let's explore its adverbial use first.

Actually, as an adverb, is often used to express that something is true or real, or to emphasize the reality of a situation. It can also be used to correct a previous statement or to introduce a fact that may be surprising or unexpected. Here are a few examples to illustrate its use:

1. "She actually finished the race in first place, which was a surprise to everyone."
2. "I thought it was going to rain, but it actually turned out to be a sunny day."
3. "The book actually wasn't as boring as I thought it would be."

In these examples, "actually" is used to convey the reality of the situation, often with a sense of contrast to what might have been expected.

Now, let's consider the sentence you provided: "It's hard to know which of these cookies will taste best without actually sampling them all." In this case, "actually" is used to emphasize the necessity of tasting the cookies to determine which one is the best. It suggests that without this action (tasting), it's not possible to know for certain.

However, "actually" is not limited to its adverbial role. It can also be used as an adjectival modifier, though this is less common. For instance:

4. "She gave an actually interesting lecture on the history of the city."

Here, "actually" modifies the noun "lecture" to suggest that the lecture was more interesting than might have been anticipated.

It's also worth noting that the use of "actually" can sometimes be a matter of style or personal preference. Some people use it frequently to emphasize their points, while others may find its overuse to be unnecessary or even irritating.

In conclusion, "actually" is indeed an adverb, but its use is nuanced and can vary depending on the context. It's a useful word to express the reality or truth of a situation, to correct a previous statement, or to introduce a surprising fact. Understanding its various uses can help you to use it effectively and appropriately in your own speech and writing.

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Actually is an adverb that means "really." Actually can be used two ways: first, as an adverb meaning "really." You might say, "It's hard to know which of these cookies will taste best without actually sampling them all."read more >>