the fact that

the fact that — idiom

1. a fixed expression that opens a statement you regard as true, making it clear th

1.idiomB1
Definition

a fixed expression that opens a statement you regard as true, making it clear that this truth affects your view of a situation or your reaction to it.

Example

The fact that Rania got the job surprised her old classmates.

The fact that the restaurant was full every night shows how good the food is.

the fact that + full-clause result

Common collocations
  • despite the fact that
  • due to the fact that
  • ignore the fact that
  • accept the fact that
  • the fact that + clause + verb
Synonyms
  • given that

    more concessive — presents the fact as something you accept before making another point; slightly more formal

  • seeing that

    more informal and often used in spoken English to give a reason

  • considering that

    suggests weighing multiple factors rather than asserting a single truth

Grammar Patterns

the fact that + clause

Usage Note

The phrase must be followed by a full clause (subject + verb), not a noun phrase on its own. It is often used to introduce a reason, a contrast, or a piece of background information that the listener already knows or should accept as true.

Common Mistakes

Despite the fact he was tired, he kept working.
Despite the fact that he was tired, he kept working.
The word 'that' is required after 'the fact' in standard written English.
I am happy the fact that you came.
I am happy about the fact that you came.
A preposition (about, despite, because of) or a verb (ignore, accept, know) normally comes before 'the fact that'.

Etymology

LatinEnglish

The phrase combines the noun 'fact' (from Latin 'factum', meaning 'something done or performed') with the conjunction 'that', forming a structure that turns a whole clause into a noun-like unit. This construction became common in Modern English as a way to assert a premise before drawing a conclusion.