1. Describing a real or true thing:
* The actual cost of the project was much higher than we initially estimated.
* The painting was a replica, not the actual work of art.
2. Comparing something to a perceived or expected thing:
* The actual weather was much better than the forecast predicted.
* The book was much more exciting than the actual movie.
3. Emphasizing something specific:
* I don't need your opinion, I want to hear your actual experiences.
* The actual source of the information is unknown.
4. With a negative to emphasize something is not real:
* That was not his actual signature.
* The rumors about the company's financial troubles are not actual news.
5. As an adjective to modify a noun:
* The actual size of the room was much smaller than it appeared in the pictures.
* This is the actual document I was looking for.
Remember that "actual" can be used in various ways depending on the context. It can be used as an adjective, adverb, or even a noun in some cases.