in fact
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for in fact, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adverb — Used to correct or contradict what has just been said or assumed, introducing what is actually true.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adverb
Used to correct or contradict what has just been said or assumed, introducing what is actually true.
“He said he'd never met her; in fact they had worked together for years.”
How to use in fact
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Neutral; works in academic writing and casual speech alike.
Etymology
From fact (“deed, action”) (now obsolete, except in law). Perhaps ultimately a calque of French en fait.
Full origin of in fact →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between in fact and actually?
They are largely interchangeable, but actually is more conversational and often softens a correction, while in fact is a little more formal and gives the correction more weight. In fact also works well for adding a stronger point, which actually does less naturally.
Do you put a comma after in fact?
Usually yes when it opens a sentence: In fact, nobody objected. When it sits mid-sentence it is often written without commas, as in it was in fact the cheapest option.
Can you start a sentence with in fact?
Yes. It is standard in both formal and informal writing, and it is one of the clearest ways to signal that a correction or an escalation is coming.