Really

We use the adverb really when we want to emphasise something:

• That pasta was really delicious. Thank you.
• I really like those photographs. Can we see them on the computer?
• Emigrating to Canada was a really big decision for the whole family.

We also use really to question whether what someone says is true:

• They don’t look pleased to me. Are they really pleased?
• Is that really her sister? They don’t look at all alike.

We can use really to make a negative utterance less direct:

• I’m not really angry, but I wanted them to think about their behaviour.
• A: What do you think she should say to him?
• B: I don’t know, really.

We can use really as a short response when we show interest or surprise:

• A: They’re going on a cycling holiday to France.
• B: Really*?*
• A: Yes, and they’re going to the Alps!

See also

• Actual