facts
facts — noun
1. pieces of information that are known to be true because they can be checked or p
pieces of information that are known to be true because they can be checked or proved, and which are accepted as real by most people.
The police gathered all the facts about the accident before writing the report.
the facts + about + noun phrase (accident)
Before you argue, make sure you have checked the facts carefully.
Amara's essay was full of facts and figures that supported her main argument.
Carbon dating confirmed that the wooden boat is over 2,000 years old — this is a verified historical fact.
The textbook presented the facts of the war in a clear and simple way.
- data
more technical; often refers to raw numbers or measurements rather than general true statements
- information
broader meaning; can include unverified or incomplete details
文法句型
the facts + about/of + noun phrase
the facts + that-clause
用法筆記
Unlike 'truth' (which can be abstract or subjective), 'facts' are things that can be verified by evidence or observation.
常見錯誤
2. used when speaking or writing to add a stronger or more exact statement, especia
used when speaking or writing to add a stronger or more exact statement, especially one that corrects or contrasts with what was just said.
The exam looked difficult, but in fact it was quite easy.
discourse marker: in fact + contrasting clause
"Is this your first time in Taiwan?" "No, as a matter of fact, I come here every year."
dialogic use: as a matter of fact
Diego is not just a good singer; in fact, he trained at a music school in Milan.
People think the building is very old, but in fact it was built in 1995.
The weather forecast said it would rain all weekend; in fact, we had three days of sunshine.
文法句型
in fact (,) + clause
as a matter of fact (,) + clause
用法筆記
This sense only appears in the fixed phrases 'in fact' and 'as a matter of fact'. It is not a standalone use of the noun 'facts'. Common in both spoken and written English to introduce a correction or an amplification.
常見錯誤
3. used to emphasise that a particular statement is true, especially when people mi
used to emphasise that a particular statement is true, especially when people might disagree, doubt it, or find it inconvenient.
Kenji says the plan is perfect, but the fact is that nobody checked the budget.
the fact is + that-clause introducing inconvenient truth
Some parents think the school is safe; in point of fact, several accidents have happened this year.
in point of fact (formal register)
We can argue all day, but the fact remains that we need to finish the project by Friday.
Despite what people claim, the simple fact is that our city does not have enough hospitals.
The fact of the matter is that we lost the contract because we were too slow.
- the truth is
similar meaning but slightly less confrontational; 'the fact is' sounds more definitive
- in reality
focuses on the real situation versus what people think or say
文法句型
the fact is + that-clause
in point of fact + clause
the fact remains + that-clause
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 (IN FACT): that sense introduces a correction or contrast to a previous statement. This sense insists on the truth of a statement despite disagreement or avoidance. Cannot be replaced by 'as a matter of fact'.
常見錯誤
4. unpleasant but true aspects of a situation that people must accept even if they
unpleasant but true aspects of a situation that people must accept even if they find them painful or difficult.
Fatima knew she had to face the facts: her small shop could not compete with the big supermarkets.
fixed phrase: face the facts
Pavel needed many months before he could accept the facts about his father's illness.
The team had to face the hard facts — they were simply not good enough to win the championship.
After the election results came in, the candidate finally accepted the facts and congratulated her opponent.
Parents sometimes struggle to accept the facts about their children's mistakes.
- reality
the actual state of affairs; 'face reality' is a near-synonym of 'face the facts'
- delusion
a false belief that avoids unpleasant truth
文法句型
face the facts
the facts of life
用法筆記
Common in the fixed expression 'face the facts'. The facts in this sense are always unwelcome. Unlike sense 1 (PROVEN TRUTHS), these are not neutral information — they carry emotional weight because accepting them requires changing one's view or behaviour.
常見錯誤
5. the practical pieces of information about a specific subject that someone needs
the practical pieces of information about a specific subject that someone needs in order to make a decision, prepare a task, or understand exactly what is involved.
Before buying a house, you should get all the facts about the neighbourhood and property prices.
get the facts + about + topic
The travel website gave us the facts we needed about visa rules and local customs.
Elena spent the afternoon gathering the facts for her presentation on climate change.
The doctor explained all the facts about the treatment so that the patient could make an informed choice.
If you are thinking of studying abroad, learn the facts about tuition fees and scholarship options first.
- details
less formal; can include less important specifics
- particulars
more formal; used in official or legal contexts
文法句型
the facts + about/of + topic
get/learn the facts
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (PROVEN TRUTHS): sense 1 asks 'is this statement true or false?', whereas this sense asks 'what specific details do I need for this decision or action?'. Use sense 5 when collecting practical details for a choice or task (e.g. loan rates, visa rules, treatment options); use sense 1 when discussing whether a broad statement is verifiably true (e.g. historical events, scientific findings).
常見錯誤
6. the details about sexual reproduction and how babies are born, especially when t
the details about sexual reproduction and how babies are born, especially when these are explained to children for the first time.
When Olu asked where babies came from, his mother decided it was time to explain the facts of life.
fixed phrase: the facts of life
The school invited a nurse to talk to the older students about the facts of life.
Many parents feel nervous when they sit down to teach their children the facts of life.
The book explains the facts of life with clear drawings and simple language for young readers.
Grandpa joked that in his day, nobody ever talked about the facts of life at home.
- sex education
the modern, broader term covering reproduction, relationships, and health; 'facts of life' is older and focuses specifically on reproduction
文法句型
the facts of life
用法筆記
Always used with the definite article: 'the facts of life'. This is a fixed idiom, not a productive use of the noun 'facts'. Cannot be broken up or modified (*'the basic facts of life' would revert to sense 4 meaning). Falling into disuse among younger speakers who prefer 'sex education'.