at the fact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the fact" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is acknowledging or acknowledging the existence of a fact. Example: I was surprised to hear the news, but I had to accept the fact that my favorite team had lost the game.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We use a reasonable person standard at The Fact Checker.

The Washington Post

Right now, I'm looking at the fact we didn't win".

The New York Times - Sports

"He's upset at the fact that Sean's not here".

The New York Times

Should I despair at the fact that I'm going to die?

Yale University

I had always marvelled at the fact that they never seemed to be out of anything.

The New Yorker

He sneered at the fact that Brand had guest edited an edition of the "New Statesman".

Independent

Some people take offense at the fact that the family fortune is built on hunting.

The New Yorker

There has been a worldwide outcry at the fact that Britain was behaving in that way.

The Guardian

Breathe a sigh of relief at the fact that we're halfway through the week.

The Economist

We don't try to play gotcha here at The Fact Checker.

The Washington Post

As always at The Fact Checker, the burden of proof is on the speaker.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the fact", ensure the sentence clearly indicates the emotional or intellectual response to the information. For example, 'I was surprised at the fact that...' clarifies the feeling connected to the fact.

Common error

Avoid using "at the fact" when "of the fact" or "about the fact" is more appropriate, especially when discussing general knowledge or awareness rather than a direct reaction. "Aware of the fact" is often more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the fact" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically introducing a subordinate clause that specifies the reason for an emotion or reaction. Ludwig examples show it used to express surprise, disappointment, or annoyance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the fact" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to express a reaction or emotion tied to a specific piece of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts. While versatile, be mindful of alternative prepositions like "of" or "about" that may be more appropriate in certain situations. To enhance clarity, ensure that the sentence clearly articulates the specific emotion connected to the mentioned fact. For increased conciseness, consider if the sentence can be simplified by omitting the phrase altogether without sacrificing the original meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

given the fact

Emphasizes that the fact is a known condition or premise, suggesting acceptance or acknowledgment.

regarding the fact

Uses a more formal preposition, 'regarding', to introduce the fact being considered.

concerning the fact

Similar to 'regarding', 'concerning' provides a formal tone when discussing a fact.

considering the fact

Implies a deliberate thought process, where the fact is carefully weighed.

in light of the fact

Highlights that the fact influences a decision or perspective, adding a nuance of consideration.

in view of the fact

Similar to 'in light of', but slightly more formal, indicating the fact is prominent in one's thinking.

taking into account the fact

Stresses the importance of considering the fact when making a judgment or decision.

aware of the fact

Focuses on the state of being informed about the fact.

mindful of the fact

Suggests careful attention and consideration to the implications of the fact.

on account of the fact

Explains a reason or cause linked to the stated fact, adding a causal element.

FAQs

How can I use "at the fact" in a sentence?

Use "at the fact" to express a reaction or emotional response to a particular piece of information. For example, "I was astonished "at the fact" that he had never seen snow" shows surprise connected to that specific fact.

What's the difference between "at the fact" and "of the fact"?

"At the fact" usually indicates a direct emotional reaction to a specific piece of information, while "of the fact" often refers to general awareness or knowledge. For instance, being "aware "of the fact"" implies knowledge, while being "surprised "at the fact"" signals an emotional response.

What can I say instead of "at the fact"?

You can use alternatives like "regarding the fact", "concerning the fact", or "in light "of the fact"" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "at the fact"? Can I simplify the sentence?

No, often you can simplify the sentence for clearer and more direct communication. For example, instead of "I was annoyed "at the fact" that she was late", you could say "I was annoyed that she was late". Simplifying makes the sentence more concise.