# as a matter of fact

CEFR B1 · Fixed phrase

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/as-a-matter-of-fact
Updated: 2026-07-28

## Definition

you use this to add more information or to correct what someone else just said.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "As the matter of fact, I'm busy." but "As a matter of fact, I'm busy." — the phrase is fixed with the indefinite article 'a'; using 'the' is a common learner error.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.