In fact
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use it to add a 'bonus' fact that reinforces or clarifies your previous point.
En 15 segundos
- Adds a more specific or surprising detail to a statement.
- Works in both professional emails and casual coffee chats.
- Usually requires a comma when starting a new sentence.
Significado
Think of this phrase as a way to say 'Wait, there is even more to the story.' It helps you add a surprising or more specific detail to what you just said.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Talking about food preferences
I love Italian food. In fact, I could eat pasta every single day.
I love Italian food. In fact, I could eat pasta every single day.
Updating a boss on a project
The report is finished. In fact, I sent it to the client an hour ago.
The report is finished. In fact, I sent it to the client an hour ago.
Texting a friend about plans
I'm not busy at all. In fact, I'm just sitting on the couch.
I'm not busy at all. In fact, I'm just sitting on the couch.
Contexto cultural
This phrase bridges the gap between academic writing and natural conversation. It reflects the English linguistic preference for 'upping the ante' or providing evidence during a discussion. It became a standard discourse marker as English formal logic developed in the 17th century.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after `In fact` when you start a sentence. It gives your listener a tiny 'breath' to prepare for the big news.
Don't Over-Fact
If you use it in every sentence, you'll sound like you're trying too hard to be right. Save it for the truly interesting details.
En 15 segundos
- Adds a more specific or surprising detail to a statement.
- Works in both professional emails and casual coffee chats.
- Usually requires a comma when starting a new sentence.
What It Means
Think of in fact as a magnifying glass. It helps you zoom in on a specific detail. You use it to add more information to a previous statement. It often introduces something surprising or more intense. It is like saying, 'Wait, let me give you the real scoop.' It makes your point feel stronger and much clearer.
How To Use It
You usually place it at the start of a sentence. You can also tuck it into the middle of one. Always put a comma after it when it starts a sentence. For example, In fact, I have two of them. It connects two sentences that share a common theme. The second sentence should always be more detailed than the first. It acts as a bridge between a general idea and a specific fact.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to impress someone with details. It works beautifully in business meetings to show expertise. Use it when you are correcting a small misunderstanding politely. It is perfect for telling a story with a twist. Your friends will think you are very precise and well-spoken. It adds a nice, professional rhythm to your spoken English.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it to start a completely new topic. It needs a previous sentence to lean on. Don't use it if the fact is very boring. It should feel like a small revelation or a 'bonus.' If you use it every minute, you might sound like a textbook. Avoid it in very short, snappy texts where speed is everything.
Cultural Background
English culture values being specific and accurate in conversation. Using in fact shows you are a thoughtful and deep communicator. It has been a staple of formal logic and debate for centuries. Today, it is a common tool in polite, everyday social interaction. It helps you avoid being too blunt or aggressive. It is the 'secret sauce' of many persuasive public speakers.
Common Variations
You can use actually for a very similar, casual vibe. As a matter of fact is a bit more formal and old-school. Indeed is quite fancy and feels very British. Truth be told is more personal and carries more emotion. Each variation changes the 'flavor' of your sentence slightly.
Notas de uso
The phrase is highly versatile and works in almost any register. Just be careful not to use it as a simple filler word like 'um' or 'like'.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after `In fact` when you start a sentence. It gives your listener a tiny 'breath' to prepare for the big news.
Don't Over-Fact
If you use it in every sentence, you'll sound like you're trying too hard to be right. Save it for the truly interesting details.
The 'Polite Correction' Secret
English speakers use `In fact` to correct people without saying 'You are wrong.' It shifts the focus to the information rather than the mistake.
Ejemplos
6I love Italian food. In fact, I could eat pasta every single day.
I love Italian food. In fact, I could eat pasta every single day.
Here it adds intensity to the first statement about liking Italian food.
The report is finished. In fact, I sent it to the client an hour ago.
The report is finished. In fact, I sent it to the client an hour ago.
This shows efficiency by providing a more specific, positive detail.
I'm not busy at all. In fact, I'm just sitting on the couch.
I'm not busy at all. In fact, I'm just sitting on the couch.
Uses the phrase to emphasize how free the speaker is.
He's not just a fast runner. In fact, he once outran a literal chicken.
He's not just a fast runner. In fact, he once outran a literal chicken.
Adds a humorous, specific detail to prove a point.
I don't just like this gift. In fact, it's the best thing I've ever received.
I don't just like this gift. In fact, it's the best thing I've ever received.
Used to elevate the level of gratitude and emotion.
It's not just cold outside. In fact, the lake has completely frozen over.
It's not just cold outside. In fact, the lake has completely frozen over.
Provides physical evidence for the initial claim of it being cold.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best sentence to follow the first one using 'In fact'.
The movie was very long. ___
The phrase must add a more specific detail related to the length of the movie mentioned in the first sentence.
Complete the sentence naturally.
She is a great musician. ___, she plays five different instruments.
'In fact' is used here to provide a specific example of why she is a great musician.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality Levels of 'In Fact' and Synonyms
Used with close friends.
Actually...
Perfect for most situations.
In fact...
Used in speeches or reports.
As a matter of fact...
When to use 'In Fact'
Business Meeting
In fact, our sales grew 20%.
Telling a Story
In fact, he forgot his keys again!
Correcting Someone
In fact, the party is on Friday.
Giving a Compliment
In fact, you are the best chef I know.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt means you are adding a more specific or surprising detail to support what you just said. For example, It is hot. In fact, it is 40 degrees.
They are very close! Actually is often used to correct a mistake, while in fact is mostly used to add more detail to a true statement.
It is rare. Usually, it goes at the beginning or in the middle, like He is, in fact, the owner.
Not at all! It's neutral. You can use it with friends to emphasize a point, like In fact, I'm already outside!
When it starts a sentence, yes. If it's in the middle of a sentence, you often put commas around it, like , in fact,.
No, it needs a previous sentence to refer back to. You can't just walk up to someone and say In fact, I like cats.
Indeed is much more formal and slightly old-fashioned. In fact is more common in modern daily English.
Usually, yes, but it can also be a very strong opinion that you are presenting as a truth.
Yes, it is a very popular transition word in essays to provide evidence or further clarification.
Yes, that is a slightly longer and more emphatic version of in fact.
Frases relacionadas
Actually
Used to correct a statement or add a surprising fact.
As a matter of fact
A slightly more formal way to introduce a specific detail.
Indeed
A formal way to confirm or emphasize a statement.
Furthermore
Used to add an additional point in a more formal or structured way.
Comentarios (0)
Inicia Sesión para ComentarEmpieza a aprender idiomas gratis
Empieza Gratis