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in fact

fixed phr..
A1 Beginner Oxford

fixed phr.. You use this phrase to add more detail to what you just said, or to say what is really true. It is similar to 'actually' or 'in reality'.

fixed phr.. A discourse marker used to introduce a statement that elaborates on, emphasizes, or contradicts what has just been said, often signaling a surprising or more precise truth.


SIMPLE

He seems quiet. In fact, he's very funny.

CONTEXTUAL

I thought the project would be quick, but in fact, it took us several weeks to complete.

COMPLEX

The policy was praised for its theoretical elegance; in fact, its implementation proved to be a logistical nightmare that worsened the very problem it was designed to solve.

Origin

From fact (“deed, action”) (now obsolete, except in law). Perhaps ultimately a calque of French en fait.

Usage

It usually appears at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma, to connect to a previous idea.

Teaching tip

Contrast 'in fact' with 'in theory' to highlight its function of introducing the reality of a situation, as opposed to a hypothetical or supposed one.

Pitfall

In fact that he was tired, he went home.He was tired. In fact, he went home.'In fact' is an adverbial phrase that modifies a clause; it cannot be followed by a 'that' clause.

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