Word
as a matter of fact
Definition
fixed phrase. you use this to add more information or to correct what someone else just said.
fixed phrase. a discourse marker used to introduce a statement that provides more detail or corrects a previous assertion. It functions as an adverbial phrase to emphasize the truth of the following statement.
Examples
“As a matter of fact, I have met him before.”
“I thought the shop was closed, but as a matter of fact, they stay open until midnight.”
“The witness claimed to be elsewhere; as a matter of fact, several security cameras captured his presence at the scene of the crime.”
Examples
simple
“As a matter of fact, I have met him before.”
contextual
“I thought the shop was closed, but as a matter of fact, they stay open until midnight.”
complex
“The witness claimed to be elsewhere; as a matter of fact, several security cameras captured his presence at the scene of the crime.”
Usage
usually placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause to signal a correction or clarification.
Teaching tip
teach this alongside 'actually' and 'in fact' as they are often interchangeable in conversational English to signal a shift in information.
Pitfall
As the matter of fact, I'm busy.
As a matter of fact, I'm busy.
the phrase is fixed with the indefinite article 'a'; using 'the' is a common learner error.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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