correcting students

[narshi]

A: "Are you doing anything tonight?"
B: "actually, i'll go to the cinema with Dorothy."

[Charlie Bernstein]

A: "Are you doing anything tonight?"
B: "Actually, I'll go to the cinema with Dorothy."

There, now it's correct. I would also make these changes:

- Avoid "Actually" when answering questions. It sounds defensive. Sometimes it even sounds dishonest. If you need a word there, use "Yes."

- I think the British would usually say: "I'm going to the cinema with Dorothy." In the U.S, we would say: "I'm going to the movies with Dorothy.") However, there's nothing wrong with the way you phrased it.

[I edit copy and have tutored college writing.]

[Charlie Bernstein]

PS - Other phrases that can make you sound dishonest include:

- The fact is...
- To tell the truth...
- Frankly...

They all imply that you weren't telling the truth before, but now you are.