in fact

7 synonyms 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.

actually really indeed moreover

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

in reality as a matter of fact what's more

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.”

actually really in reality as a matter of fact

2. adverb

Used to add a stronger or more surprising point that supports what was just said.

“The food was good. In fact, it was the best meal we'd had all year.”

indeed moreover what's more

How to use in fact

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

in fact, however when in fact the fact is

Neutral; works in academic writing and casual speech alike.

Etymology

Formed from fact ("deed, action"), a sense 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.

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really actually indeed moreover

Nearby words

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