fact
A1Neutral, used across all registers from formal to informal.
Definition
Meaning
A thing that is known to be true, especially one that can be verified by evidence or observation.
A statement presented as objective reality; also used to describe the quality of being based on reality rather than opinion or illusion (e.g., 'in fact').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Central to discourse for stating objective information. Contrasts with 'opinion', 'belief', or 'fiction'. Often used to introduce corrective or clarifying information.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or core usage. Spelling and pronunciation follow standard BrE/AmE patterns.
Connotations
Identical connotations of objectivity and verifiability.
Frequency
Extremely high and identical frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The fact that + clause (The fact that she arrived early surprised everyone.)It is a fact that + clausein factas a matter of factVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “facts and figures”
- “fact of life”
- “the fact of the matter”
- “in point of fact”
- “after the fact”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in reports and presentations to present data-driven conclusions: 'The fact is, our market share has declined.'
Academic
Used to present research findings and established knowledge: 'The study confirmed the fact that climate change is accelerating.'
Everyday
Used in conversation to state something known or to correct someone: 'Actually, in fact, it's on Thursday.'
Technical
Used in logical or legal arguments as a premise: 'Given the fact that the contract was signed...'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It is a fact that the sun is hot.
- I know this fact.
- Tell me one fact about dogs.
- The most important fact is that we must finish on time.
- In fact, I was going to call you later.
- Can you give me the facts about the meeting?
- She overlooked the crucial fact that the data was five years old.
- Despite his claims, the fact remains that profits are down.
- We need to separate opinion from fact in this debate.
- His argument was undermined by the inconvenient fact that his source had been discredited.
- The judge instructed the jury to consider only the facts of the case.
- The theory is elegant, but it must be reconciled with the empirical facts.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of FACT as 'For Actual Certain Truth'. It's what you can point to and say, 'This is ACTually real.'
Conceptual Metaphor
FACTS ARE SOLID OBJECTS (hard facts, concrete facts); FACTS ARE FOUNDATIONS (base your argument on facts); FACTS ARE LIGHT (shed light on the facts).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'факт', which is a direct cognate and used very similarly.
- The phrase 'the fact that' (тот факт, что) requires a full clause in English, not just a noun.
- Russian may use 'действительно' for 'in fact', but 'действительно' has broader adverbial uses.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'fact' as a countable noun without an article where needed (e.g., 'It is fact' -> 'It is a fact').
- Overusing 'the fact that' making sentences overly complex.
- Confusing 'in fact' (to introduce true information) with 'actually' (which can soften correction).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is used to introduce a corrective or contrasting piece of true information?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'fact' is a specific, verifiable piece of information. 'Truth' is a broader, often more abstract concept of conformity to reality or fact. All facts are true, but not all truth is expressed as a simple fact (e.g., philosophical truths).
Use 'the fact that' to introduce a clause that states a known reality which serves as the subject or object of the main sentence. It often makes sentences more formal. Example: 'The fact that he apologized helped.'
Yes, 'fun fact' is a common, informal collocation used to introduce an interesting or surprising piece of true information in a light-hearted way.
Not in standard modern English. The related adjective is 'factual'. Occasionally in legal or formal contexts, you might see 'fact issue' or 'fact question', but 'factual' is preferred.
Collections
Part of a collection
Media Analysis
B2 · 49 words · Critically analyzing media and information.