The difference between Actual and Certain

When used as nouns, actual means something actually received, whereas certain means something certain.

When used as adjectives, actual means relating to a person's acts or deeds, whereas certain means sure, positive, not doubting.

Certain is also determiner with the meaning: having been determined but not specified.

Certain is also pronoun with the meaning: unnamed or undescribed members (of).

check bellow for the other definitions of Actual and Certain

  1. Actual as an adjective (chiefly, theology):

    Relating to a person's acts or deeds; active, practical.

  2. Actual as an adjective:

    Existing in reality, not just potentially; really acted or acting; occurring in fact.

    Examples:

    "the actual cost of goods; the actual case under discussion"

    "The actual government expenses dramatically exceed the budget."

  3. Actual as an adjective (now, rare):

    In action at the time being; now existing; current.

  4. Actual as an adjective:

    Used as intensifier to emphasise a following noun; exact, very.

  1. Actual as a noun (finance):

    An actual, real one; notably: Something actually received; real receipts, as distinct from estimated ones. A radio callsign modifier that specifies the commanding officer of the unit or asset denoted by the remainder of the callsign and not the officer's assistant or other designee.

    Examples:

    "Bravo Six Actual, this is Charlie One. Come in, over.'' (The radio operator is requesting to speak to the commander of the unit under the call sign "Bravo Six.")"

  1. Certain as an adjective:

    Sure, positive, not doubting.

    Examples:

    "I was certain of my decision."

  2. Certain as an adjective (obsolete):

    Determined; resolved.

  3. Certain as an adjective:

    Not to be doubted or denied; established as a fact.

  4. Certain as an adjective:

    Actually existing; sure to happen; inevitable.

    Examples:

    "Bankruptcy is the certain outcome of your constant gambling and lending."

  5. Certain as an adjective:

    Unfailing; infallible.

  6. Certain as an adjective:

    Fixed or stated; regular; determinate.

  7. Certain as an adjective:

    Not specifically named; indeterminate; indefinite; one or some; sometimes used independently as a noun, and meaning certain persons; see also "one".

  1. Certain as a pronoun (with ''of''):

    Unnamed or undescribed members (of).

    Examples:

    "There where serious objections to certain of the proposals."

  1. Certain as a noun (with "the"):

    Something certain.

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