What is fact? Pronunciation and usage in English

fact means . Learn how to pronounce and use fact through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of fact

factnoun

/fakt/
Definition & pronunciation of fact

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "fact" in English. It's a surprisingly tricky one for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /fækt/ (rhymes with "cat")

Let's break that down further:

  • "f": Pronounced like the "f" in "fan."
  • "a": A short, open "a" sound - like in "father" or "cat". It's not the long "a" sound as in "cake."
  • "ct": This is the tricky part. It's pronounced like "kt" – a quick, soft "k" sound followed immediately by a "t" sound. It's not like "act." Think of it as almost blending the "k" and "t" together.

Here's a simple way to visualize it:

Imagine you're saying "cat" but starting with an "f."

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/fact/ (This site has audio pronunciations by native speakers.)
  • Google Translate: Type "fact" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.

Important Note: While the /fækt/ pronunciation is the most common, you might hear a variation where the 'a' is a bit longer (/fakt/), but this is generally considered less standard.

Do you want me to:

  • Explain any part of the pronunciation in more detail?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice saying "fact"?

Usage and examples with the word fact in English

Let's break down how to use the word "fact" in English. It's a versatile word with several different ways to employ it!

1. As a Noun (The most common usage):

  • Definition: A fact is a piece of information that is true and can be proven. It's something that is rather than something that might be.
  • Examples:
    • "The fact is, I didn't do it." (This states a proven truth.)
    • "Let's look at the facts of the case." (Referring to evidence.)
    • "It's a simple fact that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius." (A scientific truth.)
    • "The fact that he apologized was appreciated." (Acknowledging a specific occurrence.)

2. As an Adjective (Less common, but important to recognize):

  • Definition: When "fact" is used as an adjective, it means "real" or "genuine." It often emphasizes the sincerity or authenticity of something.
  • Examples:
    • "He was a fact-checking journalist." (Meaning he was a journalist who carefully verified information.)
    • "The fact of the matter is…" (Meaning the actual reality or truth.) – This is a very common phrase.
    • "Let’s stick to the facts, not opinions.” (Emphasizing objective truth over subjective viewpoints.)

3. Phrases Using "Fact":

  • "By the fact": This is a slightly archaic phrasing meaning “by the truth” or “according to the facts”. You'll mostly encounter it in older writing.
  • "The fact of the matter": This means "the reality of the situation" or "the truth about it." (As mentioned above)
  • "Facts speak louder than words": This proverb means that actions and evidence are more convincing than mere promises or statements.
  • "Let the facts speak for themselves": Suggests that you shouldn't interpret or explain something – simply present the information.

4. How to Use it in Sentences – Tips:

  • Be Precise: “Fact” is best used when you're stating something demonstrably true.
  • Distinguish from Opinion: A fact is different from an opinion. An opinion is a belief or feeling. “I think it’s a beautiful day” is an opinion; “It’s sunny and 25 degrees Celsius” is a fact.
  • Use with Supporting Evidence: When presenting a “fact,” it's helpful to provide the evidence that supports it (e.g., “According to the study,…”).

Examples Combining Different Uses:

  • "The fact (noun) that the company lost money this quarter is a fact (noun) and needs to be addressed." (Using "fact" as both a noun)
  • "He was a fact-checking (adjective) journalist, known for his rigorous attention to detail.” (Using "fact" as an adjective)

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you doing? (e.g., academic essay, informal email, creative writing?)
  • Is there a specific sentence you're struggling with using “fact”?

Synonyms for the word fact

Idioms of the word fact

after the fact
after something has happened or been done, when it is too late to prevent it or change it
  • On some vital decisions employees were only informed after the fact.
as a matter of fact
used to add a comment on something that you have just said, usually adding something that you think the other person will be interested in
  • It's a nice place. We've stayed there ourselves, as a matter of fact.
used to disagree with something that somebody has just said
  • ‘I suppose you'll be leaving soon, then?’ ‘No, as a matter of fact I'll be staying for another two years.’
the fact (of the matter) is (that)…
used to emphasize a statement, especially one that is the opposite of what has just been mentioned
  • A new car would be wonderful but the fact of the matter is that we can't afford one.
a fact of life
a situation that cannot be changed, especially one that is unpleasant
  • Illness is just a fact of life.
  • It’s a fact of life that some people will always be racist.
facts and figures
accurate and detailed information
  • I've asked to see all the facts and figures before I make a decision.
  • All the facts and figures were presented at the meeting.
the facts of life
the details about sex and about how babies are born, especially as told to children
    the facts speak for themselves
    it is not necessary to give any further explanation about something because the information that is available already proves that it is true
      in (actual) fact
      used to give extra details about something that has just been mentioned
      • I used to live in France; in fact, not far from where you're going.
      used to emphasize a statement, especially one that is the opposite of what has just been mentioned
      • I thought the work would be difficult. In actual fact, it's very easy.
      in point of fact
      used to say what is true in a situation
      • In point of fact, she is their adopted daughter.
      Is that a fact?
      (informal)used to reply to a statement that you find interesting or surprising, or that you do not believe
      • ‘She says I'm one of the best students she's ever taught.’ ‘Is that a fact?’

      Practice with vocabulary fact

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. It's a proven _____ that regular exercise significantly reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
      2. The expert testimony provided crucial _____ to support the prosecution's case.
      3. Despite the initial skepticism, the underlying _____ of the matter is that the new policy has yielded positive results.
      4. Please ensure all financial _____ are accurately recorded in the ledger before the quarterly review.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. It is a commonly accepted _____ that the Earth revolves around the Sun. A) opinion B) belief C) fact D) hypothesis

      2. The investigative report focused on verifiable _____ rather than anecdotal claims. A) assumptions B) theories C) facts D) findings

      3. In _____, the project significantly exceeded its original scope, requiring additional resources. A) reality B) essence C) fact D) truth

      4. The scientific community rigorously scrutinizes the _____ of research data before publication. A) validity B) hypothesis C) interpretation D) assumption

      5. The CEO provided a comprehensive _____ of the company's performance during the quarterly meeting. A) summary B) account C) analysis D) perspective

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. Despite the initial resistance, the undeniable truth is that the new system has improved efficiency.

        • Rewrite the sentence, starting with "Despite the initial resistance, the undeniable _____".

      2. The audit revealed that significant discrepancies existed in the financial records.

        • Rewrite the sentence, starting with "The _____ that".

      3. It's crucial to distinguish between what can be proven and mere speculation.

        • Rewrite the sentence, avoiding the word "fact".

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. fact
      2. evidence
      3. fact
      4. details

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. C) fact
      2. C) facts, D) findings
      3. A) reality, C) fact, D) truth
      4. A) validity
      5. A) summary, B) account, C) analysis

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. Despite the initial resistance, the undeniable fact is that the new system has improved efficiency.
      2. The fact that significant discrepancies existed in the financial records was revealed by the audit.
      3. It's crucial to distinguish between verifiable information and mere speculation.

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